Girling 54 Brake Torque: Specs & Performance

Translated on 10-09-2026, 20:25.

HI,

Am I correct in understanding that the entire braking force in the Girling 54 brake is transmitted as shear force through the two "ribbed screws" of the brake pad carriers?

The old VW-II brake design has brake pad carriers that are attached to the wheel bearing housing, which clearly shows how the force is transmitted.
The 54 series comes with either 13-inch solid discs or 20-inch inner-vented discs, requiring two different mounting brackets that are interchangeable. Each bracket is attached with two "ribbed screws M12x1.5x35" and tightened to a torque of 125 Nm.

It's kind of scary to think that those four screws have to hold everything back in a full emergency stop.

m;

Translated on 10-09-2026, 20:26.

Hello,

I'm just wondering how the front axle construction holds up. I would have designed the pivot joint differently.
Are the braking forces not transmitted to the wheel bearing housing through the contact pressure on the braking surface?

Translated on 10-09-2026, 20:27.

Hi,

@dieselmartin Viewing profile: dieselmartin

: Nice photo!

"I also see it that way; it's only held in place by those two screws. On the Scirocco2 16V (which has the same brake system), it's even held in place by just two M10 screws with a strength rating of 12, and with a slightly smaller screw spacing. I have no idea what kind of forces would need to be applied to break one of those screws..."

Best regards,

Guest Free account, no CAN development support

It kind of scares me that those four screws have to hold up a full stop...
They do, however. And they have been doing so for years, with cars all over the world

.
It also made me raise an eyebrow, but I'm not the only one driving around with such a contraption

. Wonders of technology........
Perhaps someone with a background in academics could calculate the forces involved.

Translated on 10-09-2026, 20:29.

Hello!

dieselmartin wrote:

HI,
It's kind of scary to think that those four screws have to hold everything back in a full emergency stop.

Have you ever thought about wheel bolts?
Or the axle guide (ball joint, etc.)?

Here's a thought for those who are anxious: how does the brake pad stay attached to the backing plate?

BYE
TDI mechanics.