Wilwood Front Brake Kit, 66 and Later Ball Joint, Drop Black

OVERVIEW

When it comes to stopping power and aggressive aesthetics, the EMPI Wilwood Front Brake Kit represents the absolute pinnacle of air-cooled Volkswagen engineering. Designed specifically for 1966 and later ball joint front ends, this kit integrates the world-renowned braking technology of Wilwood with EMPI''s precision-forged 2-1/2 inch drop spindles. By utilizing a "Zero Offset" design, this kit ensures that your track width remains stock, preventing the common issue of tires rubbing against the fendersa frequent headache with inferior disc brake conversions. Whether you are building a high-performance street machine or a show-quality Cal-Look Beetle, the combination of four-piston Wilwood calipers and cross-drilled, slotted rotors provides the thermal stability and clamping force required to bring your classic VW to a halt with modern confidence.

This comprehensive kit is curated for the enthusiast who refuses to compromise on quality or safety. Beyond the immediate performance gains, the inclusion of forged drop spindles allows you to achieve that coveted "raked" look without sacrificing suspension travel or ride quality, as the geometry of the lower control arms remains unchanged. Every component in this package is selected for longevity, from the SKF bearings and Elring seals to the DOT-approved stainless steel braided brake lines that eliminate the "spongy" pedal feel associated with aged rubber hoses. Finished with sleek black Wilwood calipers, this kit doesn''t just perform at the highest levelit transforms the entire visual profile of your front suspension, signaling to everyone that your Volkswagen is built with the very best parts available in the industry.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Chassis Requirement: Fits vehicles equipped with a Ball Joint front beam only.
• Note: Does NOT fit Super Beetle (1302/1303) models with MacPherson strut suspension.

SPECS

• Caliper Type: High-Performance Wilwood 4-Piston Forged Aluminum Calipers
• Caliper Finish: Stealth Black Powder Coat
• Spindle Type: Forged 2-1/2 Inch Drop Spindles (Zero Offset Design)
• Rotor Style: Zinc-Plated, Cross-Drilled, and Slotted for Maximum Heat Dissipation
• Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x205 (Wide 5) for Classic Styling
• Brake Lines: DOT-Approved Stainless Steel Braided Flex Lines
• Bearings: Premium SKF Wheel Bearings for Reduced Friction and Long Life
• Seals: German-Quality Elring Grease Seals
• Hardware: High-Tensile Caliper Mounting Bolts and Dust Caps Included
• Pads: Wilwood High-Friction Performance Compound Brake Pads

PRO TIPS

1. Mastering the Wilwood Bleeding Process

Wilwood four-piston calipers feature multiple bleed screws (typically four per caliper) to allow for versatile mounting positions. To ensure a rock-solid pedal, you must always bleed the calipers starting with the inner screws first, then moving to the outer screws. Most importantly, always start with the bottom screws and finish with the top screws to ensure every last bubble of air is purged from the internal crossovers. If you leave even a tiny amount of air in the lower half of the caliper, you will never achieve the firm, immediate bite that these 4-piston units are capable of delivering. Always use a high-quality DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid and keep the master cylinder reservoir topped off throughout the process.

2. Verify Wheel Clearance and Diameter

While the "Zero Offset" spindles are a lifesaver for fender clearance, the physical size of the Wilwood 4-piston caliper is significantly larger than a stock VW or Ghia caliper. Most 15-inch vintage-style wheels (like BRMs, Fuchs, or standard steelies) will fit, but it is critical to check the inner barrel clearance and the backside of the wheel spokes. Before torquing everything down, do a "dry fit" of your wheel and rotate it by hand to check for any interference with the caliper body. In some rare cases with specific aftermarket wheels, a thin 3mm or 5mm spacer might be required to provide the necessary "X-factor" clearance between the caliper face and the wheel spokes.

3. Upgrade Your Master Cylinder for Maximum Flow

If your Volkswagen is currently equipped with a stock single-circuit master cylinder or an early small-bore dual-circuit unit, you may find that the pedal travel is longer than desired after installing 4-piston calipers. Because you are now moving fluid to eight total pistons (four per side) instead of two wheel cylinders or two single pistons, we highly recommend upgrading to a 19mm or 20.6mm "Big Bore" master cylinder. This increased bore size allows you to move a higher volume of fluid with less pedal effort, perfectly complementing the high-pressure requirements of the Wilwood system and ensuring that your braking response is instantaneous and consistent under heavy use.