Wilwood Front Ball Joint Disc Brake Kit, Black Drilled

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled Volkswagen''s stopping power to professional racing standards with the EMPI Wilwood Front Ball Joint Disc Brake Kit. For decades, VW enthusiasts have struggled with the limitations of original drum brakes, which are prone to fading under heat and require constant adjustment. This high-performance conversion kit changes the game by combining EMPI''s precision-engineered rotors and hubs with the legendary clamping force of Wilwood calipers. Whether you are navigating steep mountain grades or cruising at highway speeds in modern traffic, the confidence provided by a firm, responsive brake pedal is invaluable. This kit doesn''t just stop your car; it transforms the entire driving dynamic, offering a level of safety and reliability that original factory components simply cannot match.

What sets this specific kit apart is its versatility and premium component selection. Featuring a dual-drilled bolt pattern, it accommodates both the classic Porsche 5 on 130mm and the popular Chevy 5 on 4-3/4 inch wheel configurations, giving you the freedom to run high-end aftermarket wheels without the need for adapters. The black-anodized Wilwood calipers provide a sleek, understated aesthetic while delivering massive piston pressure across the high-friction Wilwood brake pads. To ensure long-term durability, we have included genuine SKF bearings, known worldwide for their tight tolerances and heat resistance. Every piece of this kit, from the cross-drilled and vented rotors to the high-tensile caliper mounting hardware, has been curated for the VW owner who demands the absolute best in both form and function.

FITMENT

This kit is designed specifically for Volkswagen Type 1 Ball Joint front ends. Please verify your spindle type before ordering, as it will not fit earlier King and Link Pin beams or Super Beetle Strut front ends.

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1966 through 1977 (Standard models with Ball Joint front ends)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Note: Requires the use of disc brake spindles if your vehicle is currently equipped with drum brakes.

SPECS

• Caliper Brand: Genuine Wilwood High-Performance Aluminum Calipers
• Caliper Finish: Black Anodized for superior corrosion resistance
• Rotor Style: Cross-Drilled and Vented for maximum heat dissipation and gas venting
• Primary Bolt Pattern: Porsche 5 on 130mm (14mm threads)
• Secondary Bolt Pattern: Chevy 5 on 4-3/4 inch (7/16 inch threads)
• Wheel Bearing Brand: SKF Premium Bearings (Inner and Outer included)
• Brake Pads: Wilwood SmartPad BP-10 high-friction compound included
• Hardware: Grade 8 or higher high-tensile caliper mounting bolts and washers
• Grease Seals: Double-lipped high-temp seals included

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip #1: Upgrade Your Master Cylinder. When converting from front drum brakes to Wilwood disc brakes, your factory drum-only master cylinder will no longer be adequate. Drum brakes utilize residual pressure valves that can cause disc brakes to drag, and the bore size may not provide the correct fluid volume for Wilwood pistons. We highly recommend installing a 20.6mm dual-circuit disc brake master cylinder to ensure the pedal feel is firm and the stroke is perfectly matched to your new calipers.

Pro Tip #2: Proper Bearing Packing is Critical. Never "hand-smear" grease onto the surface of your new SKF bearings and call it a day. To ensure the longevity of this kit, use a high-quality, high-temperature disc brake wheel bearing grease. You must use a bearing packer tool or the "palm-packing" method to force grease through the cage until it squeezes out the top of the rollers. Improperly packed bearings are the number one cause of premature hub failure in air-cooled Volkswagens.

Pro Tip #3: Verify Wheel Clearance. While Wilwood calipers are designed to be low-profile, they do sit differently than stock Ghia-style calipers. Before final assembly and torquing, "dry fit" your chosen wheels over the rotor and caliper assembly. Check for any interference between the inner wheel weights or the wheel webbing and the caliper body. Most 15-inch wheels will clear, but some deep-dish or vintage-style wheels may require a small spacer to provide the necessary 3mm of clearance.