5 stud conversion

[slimjim]

Hey All,

Just looking for some clarification on whether converting from 4 to 5 stud hubs and assorted brakes requires a cert to do so?

Im looking to change an old VW Beetle from 4x130mm to 5x130mm to fit some Porsche Fuch wheels.

The discs (and rear drums) are the hub with the studs. These 5 stud hubs are manufactured by a number of high volume manufacturers as a direct replacement.

Lastly, these said hubs are manufactured with a multi 5 stud pattern.. are these generally acceptable to use also?



Thanks so mach in advance, and I hope everyone is staying safe.

Cheers,
Slim

[Chris]

Mar 29, 2020 20:50:05 GMT 12 slimjim said:

Hey All,

Just looking for some clarification on whether converting from 4 to 5 stud hubs and assorted brakes requires a cert to do so?

Cheers,
Slim

Hi Slim,

I'll need to do some more digging regarding the 4 to 5 stud conversion as the stud pattern is manufactured as part of the brake disc.
My initial thoughts are that the modification is not listed in the threshold that defines which modifications do not require certification.
As this mod is not listed in the threshold, then by default it requires certification.

Also almost all brake related modification that are not a repair, require certification. Is this conversion using the OE VW Beetle brake callipers and rear brakes?

Aftermarket disc brake rotors do not require certification provided the substitute rotors are:

• the same size as the OE rotors; and
• catalogued aftermarket items for that make and model of vehicle(and can include cross-drilled and/or slotted types); and
• attached to unmodified OE parts

Cheers

Chris

[slimjim]

Thanks Chris!

Yes, so the rest of the breaks will use all other standard factory components - calipers / pads, shoes / backing plates, and these are the same dimensions; they just have the 5 studs.

Im asking as the discs will be going onto dropped spindles which will be part of the Beetles cert, however I am just wanting to find out (for financial reasons) if I can get my Beetle certed for what has been done thus far and get out and enjoy driving it, and then add the 5 stud wheel down the road as funds allow... or if it will then need to be re-certed for the 5 stud conversion.

Hope that makes sense?

Thanks again!
Slim

[Chris]

Hi Slim

If you change it at a later date to 5 stud at a later date then it will require recertification.

Regards

Chris

[slimjim]

Thanks Chris.

And that later date would be at the cost of a full car cert?

And are the 'multi' 5 stud be ok?
 
Thanks again Chris!
Slim

[Chris]

Mar 30, 2020 19:10:27 GMT 12 slimjim said:

Thanks Chris.

And that later date would be at the cost of a full car cert?

And are the 'multi' 5 stud be ok?
 
Thanks again Chris!
Slim

Hiya Slim

Yes it would be a full re-cert (change of wheels and tyres is the only modification that allows for a "partial recert") however any previously certified modifications would be accepted at face value providing they have not been modified further since the previous cert and there are no safety issues identified.

Also, yes the multi 5 stud would be OK as there is plenty of meat between the holes.

Cheers

Chris

[slimjim]

Thats awesome thanks Chris!

One last question to ask while I have you regarding the rear suspension and lowering the rear.

Im sure you would be familar with VW rear ends.. there is a torsion bar on each side that links from the pan to a spring plate that then attaches to the hub / swing arms.

Lowering the rear of a VW is fairly simplistic - remove torsion bars, rotate a spline or two and re fit.

However, due to the age of most VW's some torsion bars have some sag in them, and even the standard rear stance can be lop sided.

You can purchase 'adjustable' spring plates for finer ride height adjustment, and I was just wondering if these can be certed?

They are made by a high volume manufacturer (EMPI) that supplies world wide.

I have read the suspension chapters, but it doesn't really address these.

I was just wondering if you have come across these before, and what the general consensus was around the office?

Many thanks again, I really appreciate your time you have given to help me out

Cheers,
Slim

  

[Chris]

Hi Slim

I have seen similar swing arms certified previously so providing they are well built then I do not believe there will be any issues.

Just need to be careful about the amount of camber you introduce into a VW beetle rear when you lower them. The maximum negative camber we allow on a VW Beetle is 2 degrees. (which is more than the factory tolerance +0.5 degrees that we allow normally)

Cheers

Chris