Zero Offset Front Disc Brake Kit, King Pin to 65

OVERVIEW

The EMPI Zero Offset Front Disc Brake Kit represents the ultimate braking evolution for the early King Pin Volkswagen. For decades, owners of pre-1966 Beetles and Karmann Ghias were forced to choose between the lackluster, fade-prone performance of original drum brakes or disc brake conversion kits that pushed the wheels outward by as much as half an inch per side. This "track increase" often resulted in frustrating tire-to-fender interference, especially on lowered cars or those running wider tires. This EMPI system solves that engineering hurdle once and for all by utilizing a proprietary rotor and caliper mounting bracket combination that maintains your factory track width. By achieving a true zero-offset geometry, you can enjoy the confidence of modern stopping power without sacrificing the classic stance or tucked-in wheel look that defines the early air-cooled aesthetic.

This comprehensive kit is engineered as a complete bolt-on solution for standard King Pin front ends, utilizing your existing stock-style drum brake spindles. It maintains the iconic Wide-5 (5x205mm) bolt pattern, allowing you to run original steel wheels or popular aftermarket wheels like BRMs, Gas Burners, or Radar wheels without the need for sketchy wheel adapters. EMPI has bundled everything required for a professional installation, including a single-circuit master cylinder specifically matched for link-pin applications, heavy-duty calipers, premium brake pads, stainless steel-reinforced hoses, and all necessary wheel bearings and seals. Every component is manufactured to rigorous standards to ensure that your vintage VW stops as well as it looks, providing a massive upgrade in safety and pedal feel over the antiquated 1950s technology it replaces.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1954 through 1965 (King Pin / Link Pin Front Ends)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (King Pin / Link Pin Front Ends)
• Note: Specifically designed for stock-style drum brake spindles only
• Requirement: Must be used with 15-inch or larger diameter wheels
• Incompatibility: Will NOT fit vehicles equipped with Drop Spindles

SPECS

• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Offset: Zero Offset (Maintains factory wheel track width)
• Lug Hole Thread: 14mm x 1.5mm
• Rotor Material: High-grade cast iron for maximum heat dissipation
• Caliper Type: Floating single-piston design
• Master Cylinder: Single-circuit master cylinder included (No residual valve)
• Brake Lines: Flexible DOT-approved brake hoses included
• Hardware: Includes all necessary caliper brackets, bearings, and grease seals
• Wheel Requirement: Minimum 15-inch wheel diameter for caliper clearance
• Finish: Natural cast rotor surface with plated mounting hardware

PRO TIPS

Proper Bearing Packing and Seal Installation

When installing this kit, do not rush the wheel bearing preparation. Use a high-quality, high-temperature disc brake grease. It is highly recommended to use a bearing packer tool to ensure the grease is forced deep into the cage and rollers; simply "hand-packing" often leaves dry spots that lead to premature failure. Additionally, when seating the inner grease seals, ensure they are driven in perfectly flush and square using a seal driver or a large socket. An improperly seated seal will allow grease to migrate onto your new rotors, significantly reducing braking efficiency and potentially contaminating your pads. Always double-check that the link pin spindles are clean and free of burrs before sliding the new rotor assembly into place.

Master Cylinder Bench Bleeding and Residual Valves

Before installing the included single-circuit master cylinder onto the chassis, you must "bench bleed" it. This process removes air from the internal piston bore, which is nearly impossible to purge once the unit is mounted horizontally in the car. Use a bench bleeding kit to loop the fluid back into the reservoir until no bubbles are visible. Furthermore, because this kit is designed for a Link Pin car which originally used a single-circuit system, ensure your hard lines are in excellent condition. Since disc brakes do not require the same line pressure as drums to stay seated, verify that your system does not have an external 10lb residual pressure valve installed from a previous drum setup, as this will cause the disc brakes to drag and overheat.

Wheel Clearance and Lug Bolt Verification

While this kit is designed to maintain zero offset, the physical dimensions of the disc brake caliper are significantly larger than the original wheel cylinders found inside a drum. You must verify that your 15-inch wheels clear the caliper body. Before finishing the job, perform a "dry fit" by mounting the wheel and rotating it by hand while the car is still on jack stands. Listen for any clicking or scraping. Also, pay close attention to lug bolt length. Since you are moving from a drum to a disc rotor, the thickness of the mounting flange may differ from your previous setup. Ensure you have at least 12mm of thread engagement into the rotor, but verify that the bolts do not protrude through the back of the rotor far enough to strike the caliper bracket or the spindle assembly.