IRS Drum Brake oddity

[Kenney]

So, my '73 standard is off the ground, and has been for the past week while I installed an entirely new brake system. It's all staying stock for the time being.

Something in the rear isn't right, as i've replaced the axles, CV joints, bearings and all. I got the new drum on, but while torquing down the axle nut, I noticed that the far (outer) edge of the nut has gone in past the hole in which the cotter key passes through. I didn't have my camera to snap a pic, but i'd say it's just under a 1/4" apart. Therefore, the nut can spin a fair amount outward before it'd hit the pin.

I layed the 2 drums down next to each other and the outer edge of the new and old one are the same height. I also measured the length between the inner edge and outer edge that covers the splins, and they are also the same distance.

I'm 180% positive I left nothing out. If anyone has any ideas, i'm all ears. I'll update with a pic tomorrow. I'll also be installing the same stuff on the passenger's side, and if the same thing comes up, i'll be sure to snap a pic of that one, too.

Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

Kenney

[admin]

If it's a castle nut, it can't spin because the "tourets" on the castle will catch it.  If the entire nut is inside of that cotter pin hole, then you've got problems.  It's been a while since I've worked on an IRS rear end, so I'm not sure what to tell you.  All the bearings and seals and covers are on? 

Scott Faivre

[Kenney]

As it turns out, I re-measured the section that rides on the spline of the stub axle. Off a bit.

The inside section had been machined down too much, and therefore allowing more room for the nut to travel down. I put the old drums back on since they're in fairly good shape. I'm sending the new drums back with a hand written letter about the quality of their junk, and informing them i'll not be making another purchase from them again.

Just finished ordering another set of 'Genuine VW' that'll hopefully work out right from elsewhere.

Kenney