GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]

GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]

No additional studs please
$881.00
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GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit [Vanagon]
Product: GW-V-REAR-DISC
Works With: 1980-1991
Manufacturer: GoWesty
Availability: Low Stock
Wrench Rating: Requires a full tool set and broad mechanical knowledge.
$881.00

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The GoWesty rear disc brake conversion is not simply a re-purposed mishmash of parts from other vehicles like some kits out there. This system is properly engineered, tested, and specifically designed to be a direct bolt-on fit on any Vanagon—using all new parts and with no modifications required. No machining your hubs, no messing around. Plus, you get an emergency brake that actually works! In fact, it delivers 30% greater holding power than the e-brake on your original drum brake system.

This brake system takes about as much time to install as it takes to do a regular "rear brake job" on the existing drum brake system—about four hours. That is, if you can find somebody who knows how to work on drum brakes! Nowadays, finding a mechanic who knows what they are doing when it comes to drum brakes is not easy. Drum brakes have pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur, plain and simple. Not only do they under-perform in terms of actually stopping your vehicle, they are very labor-intensive to service and maintain compared to disc brakes. It's really no wonder why they disappeared entirely from use decades ago.

The initial cost of this system is about twice as much as the cost for all the parts needed to completely rebuild the existing drum brake system. However, since the cost to maintain our new system thereafter is substantially less, the system will pay for itself—and then some—over time. Cost-wise, it's a no-brainer. Performance-wise, it is just plain silly not to switch!

Fits: All 1980-91 Vanagon models - 2WD & Syncro

Kit includes:
• (2) GoWesty drum-to-disc brake adaptor brackets
• (2) Calipers (Left & Right)
• (2) Rotors (Slotted & Zinc-Plated)
• (10) 56mm Rear Wheel Studs - Optional (See "Fit Notes" tab for details)
• (1) Brake Pad Set
• (2) Braided Stainless Hoses
• (2) Parking Brake Cables
• (2) Stainless Dust Shields
• (1) All needed hardware and detailed installation instructions

Features at a glance:
• Improved stopping performance
• Improved pedal feel
• Improved parking brake by about thirty-percent
• Better performance, better long-term availability, and better value than just rebuilding the existing drum brake system

Still need convincing?
• Additional cost to update to a disc brake system will pay for itself after the very first brake job!
• Drum brakes are obsolete. Move on up to the 21st (uh, I mean, mid-20th) century!
• You will find it difficult to locate a mechanic who really knows how to work on drum brakes, and even if you do...
• You will pay a lot more in labor to maintain the drum brake system over time.
• Disc brakes versus drum brakes: They are simpler, cheaper to maintain, stop better, and have a better parking brake, too!

*Requires 15" wheels or larger
  • 5 stars: 17 (68%)
  • 4 stars: 6 (24%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 2 (8%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
k
kwangsoo k.

"I upgraded to rear disc brakes, but I'm not getting the stopping power I anticipated. I'm already running the GoWesty big front brake kit, but the overall braking performance feels exactly the same as before

kwangsoo k. review photo

Hi Kwangsoo, thank you for sharing your experience. We recommend ensuring the hydraulic system is correctly bled and the pads & rotors are fully bedded in to optimize your braking performance. Also, keep in mind that the majority of your stopping power comes from the front, and the biggest advantage of rear disc brakes comes in the form of energy absorption and heat dissipation. Rear disc brakes are so much better at this than drum brakes. Plus, long-term maintenance is so much easier. Give the product some time, and we're confident you will be happy!

G
Gary C.
So sexy!! And work without adjusting them every month 😭

Love this disc kit for the Vanagon. Very easy to install. And I’ll never miss having to adjust the drums ever again. Plus this looks wayyyy better behind my Ronals.

Gary C. review photo
K
Keith O.
3 years after install

This is one of the best upgrades to my van. The old parking brake barley held on a slope when I pulled the handle super hard. Now it only takes a gentle pull and a few clicks to set it. No issues on a steep incline. Installation went well and was pretty straightforward. A year or 2 later I could sense a hang up in the cable when setting the brake. It got worse, so at 3 years after install, I went under to inspect. What I found was the cable near the caliper was rusted and worn a bit due to water intrusion and friction due to poor alignment of cable. Just like the old throttle cables that failed, so will this brake cable. Water can enter either end because neither are sealed! Those ends should absolutely be sealed! Get enough water trapped in the lower section of the cable and it could freeze which means your parking brake is locked up. This is a design problem that should have been solved before GW marketed this kit. Best to carry a spare if it’s even available.

Keith O. review photo Keith O. review photo Keith O. review photo Keith O. review photo
D
Donovan T.
Quality control and replacement needed

The disc I received has filled pockets with weld and reground surface. This disc also had finger prints indicating this may have been returned. The caliper carrier guide pins also are unacceptable. One pin with correct clear paste and the other pin is loaded with the wrong grease and rust inside. The pin is pitted and corrosion on the surface. Video is available

Donovan T. review photo Donovan T. review photo Donovan T. review photo Donovan T. review photo
C
Christopher C.
Worthwhile upgrade

Installation is pretty much straightforward and i am happy to jettison the rusty rear drum brakes from my van. My only complaint, and it's rather minor, is that one side has a 10mm bleeder while the other has an 11mm.

Christopher C. review photo Christopher C. review photo

Hey there Chris! You look happy in the pic. Love it! Both bleeders should be the same size, so we're looking in that. Thanks for the heads up. Cheers, Taylor

F
Fred L.
VANAGON REAR DISC BRAKE KIT

Great kit! Certainly a big upgrade from trying to adjust less than stellar OEM drum and parking brakes. The install takes about four hours as advertised. The instructions aren't that good and hopefully GoWesty adds comments I have submitted.

Fred L. review photo Fred L. review photo Fred L. review photo Fred L. review photo Fred L. review photo
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Kevin G.
Poorly packaged for shipping

Have yet to install this kit but it seems well put together. Was disappointed to see the calipers and brackets, hardware and dust shields poorly packed.

Kevin G. review photo
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Joel S.
Relatively Easy to install, But lessons learned along the way.

I have the kit installed. They work pretty well. Some difficulty with installing the brake pads with the butterfly spring. This is where I learned a thing or two. You need to depress that spring to insert the brake pads into their cradles. Be sure top grease the cradle as you go. I like the emergency brake set up. Very responsive and clean. If you’re thinking about new rear brakes this is a good system.

Joel S. review photo Joel S. review photo Joel S. review photo Joel S. review photo Joel S. review photo
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Jeremy P.

Exactly as advertised.

D
Dave W.

Great kit; good stopping power.

D
David G.
Rear disc kit

Bought as replacement for my van's tired, old, rear drums. The kit was installed by my local mechanic and works great....the disc breaks make a big difference

R
Rand W.
Just what is needed

Such an amazing improvement

E
Egles R.
Nice!

Very neat kit and a nice upgrade!

R
Ralph C.
I hate drum brakes

Easy to install, no more adjusting shoes. Brake pedal feels good and parking brake holds well.

R
Ryan C.
Upgrade

This was a huge upgrade. I decided not to rebuild the original drum brakes and upgrade to the disc brakes. I was primarily motivated to do this so it would make future servicing easier. Definitely have improved braking power. Would recommend.

R
Richard K.
Night and Day difference

Have a Westy with a Subaru conversion I did. First thing I noticed when driving it was the rear brakes did not provide the stopping power to match the additional HP/Torque. This kit did the trick in aces. Easy to install too. I just had to adjust the tension on the parking brake cable a few times after driving a while.

T
Thomas P.
easy install

easy install and better braking

R
Ron M.
Rock solid

This kit is perfectly designed. Everything is very plug-and play, install was a breeze and exactly as the PDF indicated. Stopping power is exponentially increased as is efficiency. I am extremely pleased and I know that these will conserve my front discs as well due to the enhanced breaking power and speed. Highly recommend this kit! Other kids require machining and additional labor, which is completely unnecessary with this kit. Thanks again for an outstanding product.

D
Denis A.
Surpasses My Expectations Every Time

GoWesty has consistently surpassed my expectations. Their delivery is incredibly fast, which is especially appreciated when I'm in the middle of repairs and realize I'm missing a part to finish the project. The speed and reliability of their shipping have saved me more times than I can count. Moreover, Clarence is an absolute gem. His dedication and commitment to ensuring my projects progress smoothly are truly commendable. He goes above and beyond to provide the best support possible, making the entire process much easier and stress-free. Can we hope for better support? I don't think so. GoWesty, you have a loyal customer in me. Congratulations and keep up the excellent work!

D
Dale W.
Brakes

Arrived quickly as described

B
Bob B.
Service excellence..!

Although I've not yet received my shipment, I feel that a bouquet is due to the Customer Service people at GoWesty.. I ordered knowing delivery was time critical and followed up with 'phone calls to explain.. Clarence took control and ensured delivery.. customer concern at it's best.. Thank you..! Bob on Vancouver Island..

B
Bob M.
Simple bolt on upgrade

I've been wanting to replace the old rear drums for years and finally bought this kit on Black Friday (2023) while on sale. Bolt on upgrades are great and this kit overall was an easy upgrade. Stopping is smooth and the parking brake holds super tight on just a couple clicks. Nice work GW!!