Rear axle swap - would one from a NB having ABS fit on a non-ABS NB?

[LadybugEwa]

What the title says
Mine is an early '98 and thus no ABS.
Not so easy to find this exact rear axle in the junkyard, so will the other one do? Just not hook up the sensors?
Or would a jetta or golf axle work?

If anyone's done an axle swap, I could sure use some guidance right now

[Deserion]

Not sure if it's down to differences in axles, more than likely it's with the hubs and brakes.

[LadybugEwa]

It comes with hubs and brakes, though.

[LadybugEwa]

Darn, I've been reading my Bentley, and ... does 'Brake Pressure Regulator' ring a bell?

[beej]

Would you like me to call my local parts supplier and see how much a reman. axle would cost?

[Herbie3Rivers]

Yeah I highly highly doubt that ABS vs. No ABS would require entirely different axles. Plus there's going to be a lot more involved than just changing it out. ABS is computerized so there is going to have to be some sort of programing in the cars CPU that will have to be done. Not to mention the booster for it and all of the related lines.

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by Herbie3Rivers

Yeah I highly highly doubt that ABS vs. No ABS would require entirely different axles. Plus there's going to be a lot more involved than just changing it out. ABS is computerized so there is going to have to be some sort of programing in the cars CPU that will have to be done. Not to mention the booster for it and all of the related lines.

I'm not putting ABS on the car.
I'm trying to find a replacement axle that will fit, in the mechanical sense.
The non-ABS axles seem scarce.

[Herbie3Rivers]

Oh, I misread it. Still, I don't think there should be a difference between a ABS and NonABS axle. They're both going to bolt and line up in the exact same places.

[LadybugEwa]

The Bentley says the non-ABS one has a 'Brake Pressure Regulator' on it. Can that just be swapped?

[Tesla]

ABS or No ABS it should be the same axle. The only difference would be in wheel bearing hub and that booster, which you can just ignore. Wheel bearings are cheap and I suggest you replace them together with rear axle bushings.
But... just to stay out of the dark room and stop guessing... here is a link to the nice web page where you can see all exploded diagrams and pictures of mechanical parts for all years of beetles so you can compare.

Just register with your e-mail and ad a password and you are good to go.

http://www.vagcat.com/

Good luck Ewa

[Tesla]

Here are the Wheel Bearings with Hubs Assembly, Rear Pair (OEM),FAG $134.95 set from MJM.

CLICK HERE

[Tesla]

Rear Axle Mount Bushings, Pair (OEM) $34.95

CLICK HERE

[Tesla]

You might as well replace these

Shock Mounts, Both Sides (Rear), $19.95

CLICK HERE

[Tesla]

A picture is worth a 100 words ( not 1000 as we all might think )

Rear Axle Beam, New Beetle 1999

[Growler]

the 1999 picture is for an ABS equipped car.

you can see the tone ring for the ABS as part #17 in the photo above.

[Tesla]

Originally Posted by Growler

the 1999 picture is for an ABS equipped car.

you can see the tone ring for the ABS as part #17 in the photo above.

Yes, that's the part of the wheel bearing. The diagram is the same for all models from 1999 to 2005, and supplier ( MJM Autohaus ) states that it fits all models from '99 to '05.





OEM rear wheel bearings with hub assemblies.

Includes quantity two (2), one for each side.

Includes hubs, wheel bearings and speed sensors for the rear on both sides.

This product fits:

* 1998-2005 Beetle
* 1999.5-2005 Golf/Jetta
* 2000-2006 Audi TT 1.8T

[LadybugEwa]

There's anonter difference in that mine doesn't have that speed sensor on it. Anyway, the point's become moot because Zlotan's putting a brand new axle on it. He's found a non-ABS one at the dealer.

[mrchaotica]

Since the original poster's issue is resolved, I don't feel bad about hijacking...

If one were interested in retrofitting ABS (and traction control, etc. -- whatever the "best" thing available for the MK4 platform was), what would he need to do?

[Growler]

find a wrecked beetle with the stuff on it you want.

buy it, disasemble it, and put any parts and wiring that is different to those systems on the old car.

ABS unit and brake lines, All four tone rings, wiring harness to those rings, rear axle as we learned here, front hubs,

all in all it can be done, but without a bentley, a 2 car garage and a 2nd car, I wouldn't even attempt it.

[mrchaotica]

Originally Posted by Growler

find a wrecked beetle with the stuff on it you want.... all in all it can be done, but without a bentley, a 2 car garage and a 2nd car, I wouldn't even attempt it.

Yeah, a parts car really is what I need: I also want interior pieces and stuff too. A Turbo S that had been wrecked in the back or with a blown engine would be perfect.

I have the 2nd car and I have the Bentley, but alas, I don't have a garage!