Vanagon Big Brake Kit Comparison - Burley Motorsports vs SmallCar

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  • Опубліковано 17 сер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @alexsheehan4617
    @alexsheehan4617 Місяць тому +1

    Your videos are outstanding! Thank you for taking the time to share all of this information!

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  Місяць тому

      Thank you for the kind words and we are happy to help give back to the community.
      Nate

  • @hratchikkrikorian7322
    @hratchikkrikorian7322 Рік тому +3

    Really nice explanation, as usual. Ordered Burley kit and make me confident to mount it myself. Living in Quebec, I'm still struggling to get 16" wheel for this setup.
    Thank you again, cheers

  • @rextilian
    @rextilian 7 місяців тому +2

    Really thorough breakdown thank you. Also Happy New Year!

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  7 місяців тому +1

      Glad it was helpful!
      Happy New Year!!
      Nate

  • @ed389
    @ed389 2 роки тому +2

    I have the BMS 4 wheel disc kit. I am running an SVX 6 cylinder with the Subaru 5 spd. with that power I needed to get good brakes. Burly makes high quality parts and would recommend them all day.

  • @billws893
    @billws893 8 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for your thorough video comparison and install procedure.

  • @waynesitarz424
    @waynesitarz424 2 роки тому +1

    I've had the same G-57 kit (old VanCafe) for several years now. I didn't like the slide pin boots as they are mostly hollow inside and I was getting a lot of noticeable caliper flex when the brakes were applied. I installed solid brass pin boots from TYrol Sports that address this problem with Audi brakes. I did have to grind a bit on the rear of the caliper to get enough space for the circlip to fit,but I did it with the caliper still attached to the brake line. Much better brake feel IMO. Also have the BMW booster and a 735i 25mm master cylinder. My rears discs are Smallcar.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      That is on my radar for sure and I’ve bookmarked the Tyrolsport page! Sounds like you’ve got a solid setup there!
      Nate

  • @johncrisp6683
    @johncrisp6683 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you. This is on my list.

  • @puppetaterproductions3556
    @puppetaterproductions3556 2 роки тому +1

    Great video. As it happens, I will have my Smallcar brakes, installed on my 1988 Westy in 2013, replaced next week with the Burley brake kit. I do not have the bigger brake booster but hope the Burley brakes will resolve my current braking issues. Your excellent video tempts me to try installing the kit myself, but I will most likely come to my senses and take it to a professional.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      What braking issues are you having? If you are not 100% confident, it is best left to a professional!
      nate

    • @puppetaterproductions3556
      @puppetaterproductions3556 2 роки тому

      My brakes work but on the passenger side the pad constantly rubs against the rotor, creating a chirping noise that only stops when you apply the brakes. The first shop I took it to made it worse. I talked to Burley and he thought that one of the dual caliper pistons may have failed. I decided to go all in on a new set of Burley brakes with ceramic pads. Your video gives me hope that I am making the right move.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +1

      Yep sounds like you may have some sticky pistons. The Burley kit should fix that!
      nate

  • @t3chewie109
    @t3chewie109 2 роки тому +2

    Great video and thank you for all the information. Helps out so much. **cheers** - Chewie

  • @g.cooney6599
    @g.cooney6599 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Nate,
    This is another excellent video from you! My DoKa is almost back together from the restoration and I’ll see if the Small Car set up is still sufficient. I am going with a rear disc brake setup so I’ll see how it stops.
    I look forward to your next video! Thank You!

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      Thanks! The SmallCar kit was really good but we just wanted to try something different. The front and rear Burley kit works well together
      Nate

  • @UrbanReviews
    @UrbanReviews 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks for your GREAT video! You mention in the end (at 21:30 ish) that you've upgraded to the BMW E30 brake booster. I didn't see that you had a video on that. I'll assume you didn't capture the swap at the time? I just figured if I'm ripping my brakes apart, it might just be worth it to upgrade the entire shootin' match!

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +2

      No we installed the E30 booster before we had a channel. There are a lot of threads on theSamba on this upgrade. You will need to pull the dash off to get it out though which makes it a great time to do maintenance on your heater core/blower.
      nate

    • @tomc3216
      @tomc3216 2 роки тому +1

      BMW brake booster made a huge difference, really makes the upgraded discs come to life. Prior to the booster upgrade I wasn’t impressed with the small car kit.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      Agreed, our booster was a big upgrade
      nate

  • @vonwesty3544
    @vonwesty3544 2 роки тому +2

    Great comparison video. Those Mercedes spindle nuts might be distorted somehow due to the Allen bolt either being in or out when you took them off and put them back on. Glad to see someone else using the Motive bleeder system.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +2

      Could be. I tried to put them on with and without the bolt in and it didn't seem to make a difference. I could have kept turning and they would go on but it seemed to big a risk to damage the threads on the spindle. I am going to buy a new set and compare them and see if I can figure it out.
      nate

    • @vonwesty3544
      @vonwesty3544 2 роки тому +2

      @@ThatBaldwinLife I agree. Much cheaper to replace those spindle nuts than the spindle!

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +1

      Heck yeah!

    • @YogaMonkeyBoy
      @YogaMonkeyBoy 2 роки тому +1

      @@ThatBaldwinLife Great video! I got those Mercedes axle nuts but have not installed them yet. Did you get to try new ones yet?

    • @adventurehypelife3819
      @adventurehypelife3819 Рік тому +1

      Any update on this? I’m in the process of rebuilding my suspension and saw your video on the Mercedes nut. I ended up buying a set but didn’t install it yet. Any update on this?
      Thanks

  • @montanaharkin
    @montanaharkin 2 роки тому +1

    Great review. Thanks for the comparison! It looks like the Small Car hubs are machined billet now.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      Good to know, thanks!
      nate

    • @BurleyMotorsports
      @BurleyMotorsports 2 роки тому

      Montana , That was back when they used to buy BMS hubs , Since Mao left they decided it was cheaper to go back to machining down cast iron brake discs to harvest the center hub and installing screw in studs.
      BMS hubs are still and always have been CNC machined from Billet high grade aircraft alloy steel with press in studs.

    • @connorwaddell1829
      @connorwaddell1829 Рік тому

      Small car hubs are still cut from stock rotor

  • @pdxmack
    @pdxmack 2 роки тому +1

    This is a great idea for a channel!

  • @oldgadfly8398
    @oldgadfly8398 2 роки тому +2

    I appreciate you sharing your observations here. I wish there was a simplified kit for big brakes especially when it comes to older model vanagons which require later year spindles. It'd be great if some enthusiast would fabricate new spindles (or an adapter if that will work?)

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +2

      Smallcar does have an early Vanagon kit where they modify your spindles. Not sure how it works but you might want to check it out.
      smallcar.com/vanagon-bus-upgrades/driving-upgrades/early-vanagon-80-85-front-brake-upgrade-kit/
      nate

    • @oldgadfly8398
      @oldgadfly8398 2 роки тому +3

      @@ThatBaldwinLife Thanks Nate. It's good to know the option is out there.

    • @BurleyMotorsports
      @BurleyMotorsports 2 роки тому +2

      @@ThatBaldwinLife The necc machining of early spindles to fit big brake kits is very sketchy at best. It involves removing a lot of material from places like the caliper mounting flanges designed by VW engineers to withstand radial loads generated during emergency stops. Being that nowadays we all overload our vans with family and equipment this may be something to consider. Probably a better suggestion is to ask those designing the necessary modifications to your early spindles is '' what are your engineering credentials '' ?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +2

      Great point!
      nate

    • @oldgadfly8398
      @oldgadfly8398 2 роки тому +1

      ​@@BurleyMotorsports You are right. It seems questionable. I think I'd have more faith in a reproduction of the late model spindles by a reputable manufacturer. Or, at least an improved spindle.

  • @Alikanake
    @Alikanake 2 роки тому +2

    Hi Nate! Nice video!
    Some corrections of facts around 4 min. The G60 caliper has two 54mm pistons, not a total of 60mm. G60 is the type of car, it has nothing to do with the piston diameter of the caliper.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I had not heard that before and maybe I should have done a bit more research before making that statement. Appreciate the info. My G60s have two different sized pistons, one bigger than the other. Do you know what the total piston area is then?
      nate

    • @BurleyMotorsports
      @BurleyMotorsports 2 роки тому +2

      @@ThatBaldwinLife , Since we used to sell the G60 kits , I'll share some of the differences between the G60 and G57 calipers.
      Along with information and some reason's we went to the much newer model G57 calipers.
      The G60 caliper has two pistons a 40 and 45 mm diameter.
      Below are a couple of other notes on these calipers and quick comparison between the G60 and G57 kits.
      1) The G60 calipers were designed for cars made in 1985 to approx 1995 vs G57 is used from 1999 to 2012 on various VW and Audi models.
      2) Brand new G60 calipers are No Longer Available , quality rebuilt units are a hit or miss proposition , our experience was a lot of miss lol.
      3) G60 calipers and pads are designed for 276 mm od rotor thereby when being used with one of larger 282 or 288 mm rotors there is a good percentage of rotor friction surface width not being put into use.
      While length of the pads is close to the same the G60 pad is much narrower than the G57 pad.
      G57 pads use the entire friction surface on a 288 mm od rotor, which makes sense as it was designed for use with this rotor and harvested from a much newer car.
      4) Fitment of the G60 caliper to Vanagon spindle requires some questionable machine work be done to the caliper carrier bracket whereas the BMS G57 kit is a direct bolt on fit.
      5) high quality pads in the popular ceramic compound to my knowledge is not available , high quality semi metallic is hard to find and is much more expensive approx $100 + vs $35 for G57 Ceramic pads.
      In summary the G60 calipers based Vanagon big brake kits were good for what they were back in the day.
      Being its now 2022 , new G60 calipers ,other parts for that kit have become obsolete we switched to more modern based kit that provides comparable if not better stopping power and parts easy to get.
      G60 kits were a mish mosh of parts from various models of VW Audi , whereas the G57 Kits are all from the same car thereby making brake service cheaper faster and parts super easy to get.
      In case your interested here's a link to the BMS kit burleymotorsports.net/product/vanagon-front-disc-brake-kit/

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +3

      @burleymotorsports Thanks for chiming in on the vid! Glad you could share some knowledge about the calipers.
      nate

    • @Alikanake
      @Alikanake 2 роки тому +3

      My bad, typo, meant 45mm not 54mm 🙄 Also forgot about the different piston size. Me too should have looked it up again to refresh my memory 😆

    • @BurleyMotorsports
      @BurleyMotorsports 2 роки тому +1

      @@Alikanake I had to go back into the warehouse and measure the pistons in a rebuild kit because I didn't remember the size either hahaha

  • @cennsa140driver
    @cennsa140driver Рік тому +1

    Nate, where did you get your wheels? I got mine from Van-Cafe but they no longer carry them. Nice comparison, I have the Small Car brakes all around. No problems and I love them.

  • @manuelvazquez5388
    @manuelvazquez5388 9 місяців тому +1

    Hi...Nate...this is Manuel we meet on syncro fest, I have you sticker on my van, besides cool videos I like the upgrades, already made 2 the front round lights and the burley brakes disc, pretty expensive bydaway...I have question about you tire wheel where I can get a set of those. If you can give some info. I will appreciate...thank you..

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  9 місяців тому +1

      Hi Manuel! The wheels are from VanCafe and are 16” Carrot wheels but I don’t think they make them anymore.
      Thanks for watching!
      Nate

  • @howardfletcher3124
    @howardfletcher3124 2 роки тому +1

    Good Job on the video. Now the rear wheels.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      Oh don't worry, we have that well under way...... :)
      nate

  • @paulbaldwin9906
    @paulbaldwin9906 2 роки тому +2

    Well I'll know who to call for brake service now!

  • @markwitkowski9738
    @markwitkowski9738 2 роки тому +1

    Nate, excellent video. Wondering what you torqued the caliper bracket bolts to?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      I think Bentley says 200ft/lbs but I just tightened them as much as my 1/2" breaker bar would go.
      Nate

  • @targabill
    @targabill 3 місяці тому

    Great video, Is there any info on the size wheel they work with?? I use Jetta 15" alloy wheels... thanks much..

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  3 місяці тому

      Burley has wheel info on his site for reference
      Nate

  • @gkennedyvt
    @gkennedyvt Рік тому +1

    Thank you for the video. I just got the Burley kit and will be done installing shortly. Can you please share what model cars these parts are sourced from for future replacement? Burley did not share this info. Thanks in advance!

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  Рік тому

      Hi Guy. That is a tough position for me to be in as Burley has reasons as to why he does not share the info but I understand the desire to source replacement parts for the future. All I can say is research the caliper and you should find what you are looking for. Hope that helps.
      nate

    • @johnarnold2104
      @johnarnold2104 4 місяці тому

      early 2000s audis. I believe its the Audi Ate 57

  • @JeffLaudin
    @JeffLaudin 2 роки тому +1

    Nice addition to Vanagon knowledge. I did a diy big brake conversion featuring Jaguar calipers and rotors following guidelines from a popular VW forum site. Need to have a good working relationship with a machinist for that since one must mill down Vanagon rotors to make the hubs like what you show comes with aftermarket kits. Most of my driving is up and down Colorado ranges and I am very satisfied with my results. Question is what benefit did you get from the BMW brakes booster add on? Forum threads I have read seem inconclusive about any benefits especially pedal feel?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      I would normally do a DIY kit as I’ve done them before on some Jeep’s but I wanted to get this done before our big summer trip and wanted to try the Burley kit. The Jag calipers are a nice setup for sure.
      Nate

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому

      The booster helps the pedal feel a little more modern or “easier to push” than the stick booster. Great upgrade for us.

  • @andrewgrout2445
    @andrewgrout2445 2 роки тому +1

    Nate, nice job. Looking at this for my '90 Westy - question - do the BMS hubs come with the studs already pressed in, or did you need to do that? Also, any thoughts around the Gowesty BB kit? Thanks! Andy

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +1

      No you need to press them in. Or you can just tap them in with a hammer
      nate

  • @Fettuccine
    @Fettuccine Рік тому +1

    Do these work with the 15 Gowesty steelies?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  Рік тому

      Your best bet would be to reach out to Burley Motorsports for confirmation.
      nate

  • @planetzebulon21
    @planetzebulon21 Рік тому +1

    Or you could get the original ones from the syncro 16. Have an 89, and they are amazing after 33 years

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  Рік тому

      Interesting. Not sure how available those are compared to the newer Audi parts but glad they have worked out for you!
      nate

  • @kapteinsuperskoot6986
    @kapteinsuperskoot6986 2 роки тому +1

    Hi, Nate. THanks for the good info.
    I want to ask something others have shouted at me for - would you recommend disks at the back, and if so, which ones?
    I plan to carry medium to heavy loads on the back and haul trailers with my '80 DoKa, and feel I need the extra stoppage.
    Please advise if you can.
    Regards.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 роки тому +1

      Yes absolutely I would recommend rear disc brakes. I really do not like drum brakes, especially for a vehicle that goes off road as they get filled with dirt, water, and debris. We are in the process of upgrading our rear brakes at this time as well. Stay tuned for the video!
      nate

    • @tomc3216
      @tomc3216 2 роки тому +1

      I’d go burley. I have the small cars and one pad wore way quicker than the rest. May have been a fluke I replaced and I’m waiting to see how they wear.

  • @johnarnold2104
    @johnarnold2104 4 місяці тому

    Im wondering about the rear brake kits. Whats your experience with those? Their selling features seem to be !@E# talking each others kits

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  4 місяці тому

      We have the Burley rear disc brake kit and think it’s the best one out there. We have a video of the instal on our channel. Yes lots of strong personalities in the Vanagon retail game! 😁
      Nate

  • @aviunobtaniumstein4587
    @aviunobtaniumstein4587 2 місяці тому

    Can you tell me which wheels and tires you are using and where I can buy them?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  2 місяці тому

      The wheels are from VanCafe but they do not sell them anymore. They are a 16"x7.5" wheel. The tires were 215/65/16 Nokina Rotiva but we now have BFG AT KO2's in the same size.
      nate

  • @erickloudiazalbelo
    @erickloudiazalbelo 4 місяці тому

    I'm I able to add and bleed brakes without the pump you showed on the video?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  4 місяці тому +1

      Yep, the pressure pump just makes it easier with one person versus the standard method of one person pushing the brake pedal and the other opening the bleeder.
      Nate

    • @erickloudiazalbelo
      @erickloudiazalbelo 4 місяці тому

      @@ThatBaldwinLife Thanks for taking the time to show a great video

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  4 місяці тому

      You bet!
      nate

  • @uniwerksdesign
    @uniwerksdesign Рік тому +1

    Like.

  • @chriscoralAloha
    @chriscoralAloha Рік тому +1

    If you dont put bigger wider tires on your van this does nothing.

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  Рік тому +1

      Maybe. But remember the big brake kits will not work with the stock 14” wheels. You would need at least 15” but most people go with 16” wheels and a 215/65/16 tire. That is substantially wider than the stock 185 tire. So it kind of takes care of itself.
      Nate

    • @chriscoralAloha
      @chriscoralAloha Рік тому

      @@ThatBaldwinLife I understand the want and need if you had a Subie in there but how does your wasserboxer spin that?

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  Рік тому

      You don’t need to accelerate fast to need to stop fast! Our 2.2L WBX will push us at 70 mph on the highway and the big mountain passes sure are nicer with the bigger front brakes and rear discs. The brake upgrade was one of the best improvements we have made to our Vanagon.
      Nate

  • @Urge38
    @Urge38 3 місяці тому

    Wow
    You do a comparison but don't take the opportunity to measure un-sprung weight
    Why didn't you weight the entire kits for both and or compared it to stock
    A couple off other points
    You should have supported the underside off the hub when tapping in the first bearing race, you risking the wheel studs unsettling
    Lastly
    Far far far to much grease
    To much grease is the number one cause of bearing failure
    Too much grease causes friction
    Friction causes heat
    Hear softens the bearing

    • @ThatBaldwinLife
      @ThatBaldwinLife  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for the comments.
      Regarding un-sprung weight, I have not had the stock brakes on the front of the van for years so we couldn't compare them to stock. Second, how much the kits weigh are not important to me at all. Our van is close to 5K lbs loaded up, a few lbs here or there sprung or un-sprung will make no difference. I am sure you can call SmallCar and Burley and ask about the weights.
      Understand the concern on the tapping, but the studs take much more force to unseat than the light taps of the bearing.
      It's hard to put too much grease in there as the excess will come out as you seat the bearing. If it is still too much, then it will leak past the seals. I cannot imagine a scenario where grease in a non pressurized environment causes enough heat to soften bearing. Never had a bearing fail after I have replaced it in 30 years of wrenching.
      nate