Couple of back axle/brake questions.

[LowlifeDubber]

Right ive just whipped my back axle off ready to stick the new beam on to convert to disc brakes.Was simple enough but i had to take the retaining bracket off on the passenger side as i couldnt get the bolt out as the bias valve was in the way.So:

I noticed that the bracket is slotted so im guessing once done, im going to have to get a full alignment done?
I marked it up so it goes in the same place but i want it to be right so is this something they will adjust come 4 wheel alignment time?

Next question.
I ordered a handbrake cable off ebay but it never arrived.So i will go to GSF in the morning.However i would like to know if it comes in 3 parts?If so am i able to use the original centre cable and just buy the left and right cables?Also are the left and right cables both the same?


Cheers lads.

[Wayne]

Don't think rear alignment is adjustable as such, so as long as you refit it in the same place you should be fine.

[LazyLunatic]

The rear beam can be "adjusted" but its not really made to be. Mine is slightly out, so the rear wheels point >right>. Just try and get it to sit as straight as possible. You'll benefit from getting the wheels aligned, as it will run the front wheels inline with the rears, so will fix the final thrust angle, keeping the car running true.

You can do it yourself with string, its pretty easy tbh! Don't really need to jack the car up, unless the car is mega, mega low and you can't get to the track rod.

Handbrake cables from GSF and the like come as the cable with the correct ends on and the sleeves that take it into the car. Pretty sure they are two part? Can't remember (and I just replaced mine )

[LowlifeDubber]

Aaah ok cheers.
Im guessing both cables go to the handbrake itself in the car then.Do you know if they are both the same?Or is one different to the other?

Also regarding the 4 wheel alignment,if I were to go for one would they only adjust the front then?Cars a bit too low to do it with string so would be a bit of a farce with some string.
I will try and get it back in position but it will always bug me unless i find a guide for setting it up perfect

[rubjonny]

cables run from lever to calipers, single piece. not sided so buy 2 from gsdf. hardest part doing cables is sometimes they seize into the metal tubes at the tunnel, and if you pull the metal tubes out accidentally then you need to lift up the rear carpet to get the buggers to go back in right. they also like to seize into the metal brackets on the calipers, but mole grips on the cable and a hard twist usually frees em off

[LowlifeDubber]

Aaah sweet cheers for that.Ive got whip the drum cables out and just pop the new ones back in then.Luckily the calipers are new so no prying required.
Is it worth spraying up the new lines with penetrating fluid to help keep moisture out?

[rubjonny]

shouldnt need to as the rubber boots keep em sealed, but a spray of silicone lube or similar cant hurt it'll keep em smooooth

[LowlifeDubber]

Ok will do ive got a silicone belt dressing spray what will do the job.

Best get to GSF and get me cable and some brake pipe and unions as expected every one at the bias valve snapped off

[LazyLunatic]

That's it, piece of pi$$ to change bud.

Only the front wheels are adjustable mate, the rears are "adjustable" by yourself but the rear beam isn't made to be. Don't need to adjust the rear beam though, as long as the people that do your alignment set the front wheels in line with your rear wheels the final thrust angle will be straight. Most places set the front wheels straight but not inline with the rears and so the final thrust angle is out and the car can slightly pull one way. You might not notice it though.

Its easy to do yourself bud and my car is pretty low, managed to do it easy enough. If you get problems just pop your wheels on some planks or slabs. Google DIY 4 wheel alignment. Its the best way to do it

[LowlifeDubber]

Sweet cheers for that LL!

I got the various bits and bobs i needed today to finish(£9 for cable woop!)
When i was building it back up in the garage i came to put the rear bias valve back on and CRAP!The thing is mounted differentlygrrr.
Cos i am using a MK2 Golg 16v gti back axle the valve is mounted on a long arm off the n/s axle mount bracket.
As this axle doesnt have the same bracketry as the old axle im going to have to modify to suit.Time to play with the roll of copper pipe and the brake pipe flaring tool lol.
Hopefully it will work the same once done......bloody better anyway ha ha.