Tightening torques for the VW Brasília (air-cooled engine) taken from the channel videos — each value links to the exact moment when Paulo applies or mentions the torque. This is not a service-manual table; it records what was used and shown in practice on the channel's 1979 Brasília.
How to read this
Paulo states the torques in "kilos" (kgf·m) — the table also shows the equivalent in N·m (1 kgf·m ≈ 9,81 N·m). Always check the vehicle's technical manual; these are the values used in the videos.
Wheels
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| Component | Torque | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel bolts | 118 N·m (12 kgf·m) | "between 10 and 14 kilos; I'll set it to 12" — watch the video (33:59) · also shown at watch the video (17:09) and watch the video (29:51) |
| Rear wheel nut | 118 N·m (12 kgf·m) | watch the video (12:26) |
Rear axle and brakes
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| Component | Torque | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rear hub castellated nut (36 mm) | 294 N·m (30 kgf·m) | "I need 30 kilos" (using a torque multiplier) — watch the video (2:03) · assembly at watch the video (6:25) |
| Rear bearing-cover bolts | 53 N·m (5,4 kgf·m) | watch the video (6:39) |
| Wheel-cylinder bolts (rear brake) | 20 N·m (2 kgf·m) | watch the video (10:45) |
| Rear spring plate bolts (rear bracket mounting) | 98 N·m (10 kgf·m) | "I'm looking at my technical manual" — watch the video (21:49) |
Engine and lubrication
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| Component | Torque | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Main plug in oil strainer cover | 34 N·m (3,5 kgf·m) | watch the video (8:26) |
| Oil strainer cover nuts | 7 N·m (0,7 kgf·m) | watch the video (8:23) — in another video Paulo uses about 1,0 kgf·m: watch the video (9:41). These are small nuts: tighten lightly, without overtightening. |
Electrical
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| Component | Torque | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamo/alternator shaft nut (value to be confirmed) | ~53 N·m (5,4 kgf·m) | watch the video (11:48) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the wheel-bolt torque for the Brasília?
118 N·m (12 kgf·m) is the value Paulo uses — he mentions a range of 10 to 14 kgf·m and chooses the midpoint. This applies to the original wheels; for alloy wheels, follow the wheel manufacturer's specifications.
What is the torque for the rear axle castellated nut?
294 N·m (30 kgf·m) — this is a LOT of torque; Paulo uses a torque multiplier to reach it (there is a video dedicated to this). After tightening, secure the nut with a new cotter pin.
Do these values apply to the Beetle?
The Brasília shares VW air-cooled mechanical components with the Beetle/Variant/1500–1600 Kombi family, so many values are the same — but check the manual for your model/year before use, especially for safety-related items.
Data source: values were extracted automatically from the channel-video speech (reviewed technical sheets), each with a link to the exact moment. They do not replace the technical manual.