I recently purchased my first Polo a 1986 volkswagen polo classic saloon 1050 cc. After a realising that my rear drum cylinders were leaking I went to change them, and the shoes, and found that the owner before had rounded off the two nuts that hold the cylinder in place to the drum plate. Also the nut the that holds the brake pipe behind was also rounded and heavily corroded. This was the same on both rear drum brakes. Is the any thing I can do to get these bolts out ? What could I do if these do not come out ? What parts would be needed and where would I be able to purchase them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

I recently purchased my first Polo a 1986 volkswagen polo classic saloon 1050 cc. After a realising that my rear drum cylinders were leaking I went to change them, and the shoes, and found that the owner before had rounded off the two nuts that hold the cylinder in place to the drum plate. Also the nut the that holds the brake pipe behind was also rounded and heavily corroded. This was the same on both rear drum brakes. Is the any thing I can do to get these bolts out ? What could I do if these do not come out ? What parts would be needed and where would I be able to purchase them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

I had the same problem and you'll be glad to know its not such a pricy solution. All you need to do is get a local garage to knock you up a new length of copper pipe (take the old piece down with you for reference) or go to www.brake-pipe direct.co.uk and order there (around £5 ).

Now undo the nut at the union where the flexi brake hose meets the copper piping ( this nut should be o.k ) and drill out the 2 cylinder bolts then replace. Go to GSF or eurocarparts for your cylinder although you may have to go to a local scrapyard or VW dealers to get the 2 wheel cylinder bolts as I ordered a new wheel cylinder from GSF for around £7 and it did not come with new bolts.

* Put a sheet of cling film over the master cylinder (tight) and screw the top back on. This will minimise fluid loss when you remove the brake hose nut.

Cheers

I've managed to get those bolts out with a pair of Vise grips before when they've rounded off. As Doc said, just replace the short pieces of brake pipe between the cylinder and flexi.

If you're fitting new cylinders,drill the two little bolts out from the inside,its far easier. As for the pipe union,which is 10mm,use a proper brake pipe spanner. If that slips,then yeah you'll have to use vice grips and replace with new.

same happened on mine, i had to take the backplate off and using an impact screwdriver and hammer just hammered them round until they undid! you need to get the bolts from VW as gsf don't do them, i had a hell of a job with that on my mk3 ended up breaking the brake pipe as it as so far gone.

brake cylinders don't cost much, neither should the brake pipe if you need a new one, the place i got to make up the new ones for the mk3 were so thick i got fed up and brought a brake pipe flairing tool, although if you go to any garage with the old bit they can make you up a new one.

if you get really stuck then give me a shout as i have blueys old ones i can send you.