Wilwood Front Brake Kit, Super Beetle, Silver

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the MacPherson strut front end of a Super Beetle, precision and stopping power are paramount for a safe and enjoyable driving experience. The EMPI Wilwood Front Brake Kit in Silver (Part Number 22-6149-0) is the ultimate solution for owners looking to replace their aging drum brakes or underperforming factory discs with a world-class braking system. This kit isn''t just a collection of parts; it is a meticulously engineered performance upgrade developed through a powerhouse collaboration between EMPI and Wilwood Engineering. By integrating Wilwood''s legendary racing pedigree with EMPI''s decades of air-cooled Volkswagen expertise, this kit provides a significant increase in thermal capacity and clamping force, ensuring that your Super Beetle stops on a dime every single time, whether you are navigating tight canyon roads or cruising through heavy city traffic.

The beauty of this kit lies in its comprehensive, bolt-on design that eliminates the guesswork often associated with high-performance brake conversions. At the heart of the system are the high-performance Wilwood calipers, finished in a sleek, durable silver that adds a modern, high-tech aesthetic behind your wheels. These are paired with double-drilled rotors that offer incredible versatility, featuring both the Porsche 5x130mm bolt pattern (with 14x1.5mm threads) and the Chevy 5x4.75-inch bolt pattern (with 12mm threads). This allows for a wide range of custom wheel options, from classic Fuchs to modern street wheels. Every component, from the premium SKF bearings to the stainless steel braided brake lines, has been selected to provide maximum durability and "no-compromise" reliability. When you install this kit, you aren''t just upgrading your brakes; you are investing in the safety and longevity of your prized Volkswagen.

FITMENT

This kit is specifically engineered for the unique front suspension requirements of the Volkswagen Super Beetle. It is compatible with the following models and years:

• VW Super Beetle (1302 and 1303 Models): 1971 - 1979
• VW Super Beetle Convertible: 1971 - 1979
• VW Super Beetle Sedan: 1971 - 1975
• Note: Designed specifically for MacPherson Strut front ends only; will not fit Standard Beetle torsion bar front ends.

SPECS

The 22-6149-0 kit is packed with professional-grade components designed to exceed OE standards. Technical specifications include:

• Caliper Brand: Wilwood High-Performance Aluminum Multi-Piston Calipers.
• Caliper Finish: Silver Powder Coat for superior corrosion resistance and style.
• Brake Pad Compound: Wilwood High-Friction Performance Pads.
• Rotor Style: Heavy-Duty Double-Drilled Disc Rotors.
• Bolt Pattern 1: 5x130mm (Porsche) with 14x1.5mm Threaded Holes.
• Bolt Pattern 2: 5x4.75-inch (GM/Chevy) with 12mm Threaded Holes.
• Bearings: Premium SKF Wheel Bearings for reduced friction and long life.
• Brake Lines: Custom-length flex lines designed for Super Beetle fitment.
• Hardware: High-tensile caliper mounting bolts and brackets included.
• Dust Caps: Specialized grease caps included for a clean, sealed installation.
• Shipping Weight: Approximately 65 lbs.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. Master the Multi-Bleed Process: Wilwood calipers often feature multiple bleed screws (on both the inner and outer halves of the caliper). To ensure a rock-solid pedal, always start by bleeding the screw furthest from the master cylinder first, and always bleed the inner half of the caliper before the outer half. Keep a close eye on your master cylinder reservoir level; these high-performance calipers move more fluid than stock units, and letting the reservoir run dry will force you to restart the entire process from the master cylinder out.

2. Verify Wheel Clearance and Offset: While these silver Wilwood calipers are sleek, they are also wider than the factory drum or disc setups. Before finalizing your installation, "dry fit" your chosen wheels to check for clearance between the inner spokes and the face of the caliper. If you are running 5x130 Porsche wheels with a high positive offset, you may need a small spacer to prevent rubbing. Additionally, ensure you are using the correct lug bolts or studs for the specific thread pitch (14x1.5mm or 12mm) corresponding to the bolt pattern you have selected.

3. Proper Bearing Packing and Seal Seating: Since this kit includes high-quality SKF bearings, don''t cut corners during the assembly. Use a high-temperature, drum/disc brake-specific grease to thoroughly pack the bearings. Do not just smear grease on the outside; use a bearing packer or the "palm method" to force grease into the cage until it oozes out the other side. When installing the grease seal on the back of the rotor, ensure it sits perfectly flush and square. An uneven seal is the leading cause of grease leaks onto the rotor surface, which can contaminate your new Wilwood pads and ruin your braking performance.