EMPI 5x205 Bolt-on Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 1966-68.5 Beetle & 1966 Ghia

EMPI Zero Offset Ball Joint Front 5x205 Wide 5 Lug Disc Brake Kit

• Modern disc brake stopping power
• Zero offset design maintains stock track width
• Bolt-on kit—no need to replace spindles
• Includes a dual circuit master cylinder

EMPI's Zero Off-Set Zero Off-Set Ball Joint Front 5x205 Wide 5 Lug Disc Brake Kit fits early Ball Joint Front End VW Beetles from 1966 through May of 1968 and 1966 VW Karmann Ghias. For 1968 models, if your outer tie rod end has a 17mm head nut you have an early 1968. If you have a 19mm head you'll need the later 1968 kit. This kit will fit your existing stock ball joint drum brake spindles and greatly improves the stopping power on an early Beetle or Karmann Ghia. The zero offset means that the track width will not increase so there are no tire and wheel clearance issues compared to stock. The disc brake kit includes new front rotors, calipers & pads, caliper mounting brackets, a master cylinder, brake hoses, bearings & seals, mounting hardware and instructions. Kit employs floating calipers, which utilize a single piston and are designed to move or slide to establish contact with both sides of the disc.

This Disc Brake Conversion Kit includes the following:

• 5x205 lug pattern brake rotors with 12x1.5 threads
• Floating brake calipers and pads
• Caliper mounting brackets
• Dual circuit master cylinder
• Brake hoses
• Wheel bearings and grease seals
• Mounting hardware and instructions

Quick Bleeder Valves Save Time & Effort

We recommend adding quick bleeder valves when installing this disc brake kit. You will need to bleed the brakes, it's never fun, but the quick bleeders save you time, effort, and a headache. The quick bleeders have a one-way check valve that allows air and brake fluid out and they don't allow air back in. Install the quick bleeders, open up the valve, start pumping the brakes and when you get consistent, constant, clean brake fluid, close them up and move on to the next wheel.

Installation Notes:

• This kit can only be used with stock VW ball joint drum brake spindles. It is not compatible with drop spindles or disc brake spindles.
• All brake parts must be thoroughly cleaned, and disc brake grease must be applied to brake pad contact surfaces to prevent squeaking and vibration.
• Requires 15" or larger wheels—14" wheels will not fit.
• The included master cylinder is designed for front disc brakes. If converting to four-wheel disc brakes, you must install a separately sold large-bore master cylinder. The included master cylinder has no credit value for exchange.


Our Expert's Take:
The stock drum brakes are adequate enough for a stock VW if all the components are in good working order but as soon as any performance modifications are made to your VW, the original brakes should be upgraded to suit. Virtually no modern cars use drum brakes, least of all on the front of the car where most of the braking power is. Updating the brakes on your VW should be considered mandatory for any car that is driven regularly.
Sam



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Sam Mebane joined the Jbugs team way back in the mid 90's. A Class 11 racing enthusiast, Sam has amassed in-depth knowledge on VW electrical systems and Beetle suspension. He has restored a plethora of VW's including a VW Thing, Squareback, several Beetles, and (currently) a Super Beetle. Customer service, tech support, product testing & development, and youtube spokesperson, Sam has done it all here at JBugs.