EMPI Disc Brake Conversion Kit - Front - Drop Spindles - 5x205 - 1954-1965 VW Beetle - Karmann Ghia

Front Disc Brake Kit for 1954-1965 Beetle & Karmann Ghia with Drop Spindles and 5x205 Rotors

• 2.5" Drop Disc Brake Spindles
• Factory Ride & Steering Geometry
• 5x205 Wide 5 Lug Pattern
• 5/8" Wider Track Width
• Requires 15" Or Larger Wheels

EMPI's 2.5 inch drop spindle front disc brake kit is double-drilled for both 5x205 (wide-5) and 5x130 (Porsche pattern) and fits Link Pin front end Beetles and Karmann Ghias from 1954 through 1965. This disc brake kit will give your classic VW the stopping power of modern brake technology. The disc brake kit includes new 2.5" drop spindles, front rotors, calipers & pads, brake hoses, bearings & seals, mounting hardware and instructions. These drop spindles are made for use with stock shocks. Pressing out the original link and king pins is necessary when installing new link pin spindles. Replacement king pins and link pins are available in the options above along with disc brake kit specific grease caps. Note that the front track width will be increased by about 5/8" over stock. Meaning the wheels will sit out 5/16" farther per side than stock.

This kit includes the following:

• Disc Brake 2.5" Drop Spindles
• Brake Rotors with Drilled with both 5x205 (12x1.5) and 5x130 (14x1.5) Bolt Pattern
• Brake Calipers & Pads
• Brake Hoses
• Bearings & Seals
• Mounting Hardware & Instructions

Please Note

• Low profile (shorter) tires must be used when installing drop spindles. We offer 145SR15 or 135SR15 tires that will fit with drop spindles. Your local tire shop can offer many other options that will work as well.
• Aftermarket Disc Brake Kit specific grease caps are available in the options above for those that don't want to modify or glue(silicone) on original VW grease caps.
• Removing the original link pins and king pins is necessary to install the new drop spindles. New king and link pins are available in the Additional Options tab above.

Click here for Quick Bleeder Valves which make bleeding your brakes much easier!

• All brake parts must be thoroughly cleaned and disc brake grease must be used on all brake pad contact surfaces or brake squeak and vibration may occur.
  
• 15" or larger wheels must be used with the disc brake kit. 14" wheels can not be used.
• The stock master cylinder can be used with front disc brakes. However, if you are converting to 4 wheel disc brakes, you must install a large bore master cylinder.
  
• Drop Spindles can not be used on Super Beetles.

Our Expert's Take:

Stock drum brakes are adequate enough for a stock VW if all the components are in good working order. 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. The Standard Beetle or Karmann Ghia drop spindle front disc brake kit lowers the front suspension 2.5" while maintaining the factory ride and steering which is a plus for those looking to drop the front end a bit over stock.

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.