We offer conversion parts and packages for converting a 1302 or 1303 Beetle to Porsche 944 brakes:
From the individual parts you need right up to the complete brake system – for the Porsche as well, of course.
We are also happy to carry out the conversion for you – contact us via the contact page to receive detailed advice.
944 front floating-caliper brake
No adapter is required on the 1302 and 1303 to install a 944 floating-caliper brake at the front.
We use the steering knuckles with hub from the 944 up to model year '86, as these already have a bore for the speedometer cable.
For the conversion, the modern 1303 pressed-steel control arms with the matching anti-roll bar from model year '73 onwards must be fitted.
In addition, the ball joints are replaced with larger ones in order to mount the 944 steering knuckle.
To guarantee perfect function and fitment, we recommend using 944 brake hoses, camber correction bolts and installing longer tie rods.
Under optimal conditions, coilover struts and/or uniball strut top mounts are fitted as well.
The brake sits further out than the original, so wheels with a higher offset (ET) are recommended.
944 rear floating-caliper brake - steel trailing arms
At the rear, too, the brake can be installed without an adapter and without any modifications to the Beetle axle.
The 944 backing plate is mounted on the original Beetle trailing arm.
The Beetle's stub axle and wheel bearings are retained and do not necessarily have to be replaced.
The 944 hub and disc are mounted on the Beetle stub axle; the handbrake mechanism and brake caliper go on the backing plate.
Only the Beetle handbrake cable is fitted using an adapter sleeve.
To do this, 1/3 of the spring is removed from the Beetle handbrake cable, the gooseneck in the mechanism is swapped, and the sleeve is placed between the cable and the backing plate.
With new cables, a second sleeve may need to be fitted to the chassis.
The brake sits 24mm further out (per side) than the original drum, so wheels with a higher offset (ET) are recommended.
944 aluminum trailing arms
The 944 aluminum trailing arms can also be fitted to the Beetle with a little extra effort.
To do this, the 944 bearings must be pressed out and replaced with Beetle rubber bushings.
In addition, the spring plates are replaced with 944 spring plates.
Here, the inner rubber bushings must first be removed and replaced with Beetle bushings, and the bolt heads must be milled off.
Note the different wheel hubs – there are two different widths.
The narrow hub is 45mm and the wide hub is 75mm wider (per side) than the stock Beetle drum.
Accordingly, drive shafts from the 944 are also required.
The brake caliper, the handbrake mechanism, the hub and the disc are mounted on the trailing arm.
Apart from the brake discs, no different components are required for floating or fixed calipers.
Brake master cylinder
The aluminum 944 brake master cylinder, as well as the steel version – both available from us – come from production vehicles and are optimally matched to the brake system.
The difference between the two versions is the material and the weight.
The aluminum master cylinder from Porsche weighs just under 530g, while the steel version weighs a full 1200g.
It is important that the connections are reversed.
The front port goes to the rear axle, the rear port to the front axle.
When installing it in a stock vehicle, the line to the rear axle must be extended at the master cylinder.
Questions? Give us a call!
Phone: 05771 / 9187088 (Mon–Fri, 9 am–6 pm) · Email: office@knepper-bugs-more.de
