Product description

All Volkswagens had a single circuit braking system until 1966, with the exception of the Beetle which continue to use this system in Europe on the cheaper versions until 1969.

The dual circuit braking system was introduced in 1967, the front and rear brake lines were separated. If, for example, the pressure on the front wheels drops, you still have the brakes at the rear, with the single circuit system you will lose all your braking power in such a case. The dual braking system is recognizable at the two supply points between the brake fluid reservoir and the master cylinder.

The most common brake master cylinders are available in two qualities. All A-quality master cylinders, and the models where no quality is mentioned, belong to the high end, they mostly come from the same manufacturer as the former Volkswagen supplier, in other words they are equal to the original. No, they are not all cheap, but if you want to save money on your brakes, most of them are also available in B quality, a good alternative but do not expect miracles.

Additional note: If you choose lower quality parts, it is for one reason only: price. We can understand that, but don't forget that when you compromise on the quality of the brake parts, you are also more or less compromising on safety! This is a choice you have to make yourself, taking into account that you can never hold the seller responsible and that the warranty is excluded.

Not all master cylinders come in the same way, you may want to add the options mentioned. The diameter listed is the piston size, if in doubt, open the old master cylinder and measure the piston before ordering.

Separate master cylinders for the Volkswagen Beetle (except VW 1302 and VW 1303), Karmann Ghia, VW Thing and VW Vanagon have two models; equipped with one or two brake light switches or options to mount them. If your old master cylinder is equipped with two brake light switches, the second switch is for the dashboard brake light which indicates that there is a pressure difference between the front and rear brake system, in other words a brake operation problem. Often this light is not present even though the master cylinder is prepared for it. In this case, the master cylinder was replaced once and the hole for the second brake light switch was closed with a blind plug or unconnected brake light switch. This is not how it should be, but it has no effect on performance.

If your car was equipped with disc brakes in the rear and the same is true for the front, you need a larger master cylinder. If this option is available for your VW model, it is mentioned under the alternatives tab.