Park Loc Hydraulic Parking Brake

OVERVIEW

The EMPI Park Loc Hydraulic Parking Brake is the ultimate solution for air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts and off-road racers who demand a reliable way to secure their vehicle on uneven terrain. Designed to plumb directly into your existing hydraulic brake system, this compact and lightweight aluminum valve acts as a manual lock for your brakes. When you are out on the dunes in your sand rail or navigating a steep trail in your Baja Bug, simply depress your brake pedal, push the Park Loc button, and release the pedal. The valve traps the hydraulic pressure in the lines, keeping your calipers or wheel cylinders engaged until you manually release the button. This eliminates the struggle of trying to find a flat spot to park or relying on a stretched and aging mechanical cable system that often fails under the stress of off-road abuse.

Crafted from high-grade aluminum for maximum corrosion resistance and durability, the Park Loc is built to withstand the harsh environments that VW transaxles and braking systems are often subjected to. It is important to note that while this is an exceptional tool for off-road parking and staging, it is designed as a supplemental parking brake and not a primary emergency brake. Because it relies on the integrity of your hydraulic system, most jurisdictions do not recognize it as a legal replacement for a mechanical cable-operated emergency brake for street-legal registration. However, for the dedicated off-roader or the weekend warrior looking for extra security during trailer loading or hill-side stops, the EMPI Park Loc is an indispensable addition to any performance VW braking setup.

FITMENT

This hydraulic parking brake is a universal-style component commonly used on the following air-cooled Volkswagen models and custom builds:

• VW Beetle (All Years): Ideal for custom street builds or off-road Bajas.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Provides extra security for high-performance builds.
• VW Bus / Type 2 (1950-1979): Useful for heavy campers parked on inclines.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Fits easily into custom hydraulic lines.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Perfect for rugged, utility-focused driving.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: The industry standard for parking on sand dunes.
• Baja Bugs: Essential for staging and off-road trail stops.
• Custom Trikes: Frequently used in rear-engine trike applications.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: PK1 (707924319569)
• Material: Lightweight, High-Strength Aluminum
• Inlet/Outlet Port Size: 1/8 inch NPT
• Actuation Type: Manual Push-Button Lock
• Finish: Polished Aluminum
• Mounting Style: In-line Hydraulic Installation
• Pressure Rating: Designed for standard VW hydraulic brake pressures
• Compatibility: Works with both Disc and Drum brake configurations
• Weight: 0.41 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Optimal Installation Placement

When plumbing the Park Loc into your system, we recommend mounting it in a location that is easily reachable from the driver''s seat, typically near the shifter or on the center tunnel. Because you must depress the brake pedal first and then push the button, you want to ensure you don''t have to overstretch to reach the valve. Always use high-quality steel or braided stainless steel lines with the correct 1/8 inch NPT to 10mm (or 3/16 inch) adapters to ensure a leak-free connection. Ensure the valve is securely mounted to the chassis so that the force of pushing the button doesn''t flex or fatigue your brake lines over time.

Tip 2: Master the Bleeding Process

Adding any component to your hydraulic lines introduces the potential for trapped air, which is the enemy of a firm brake pedal. After installing the Park Loc, you must perform a full system bleed. We suggest bleeding the brakes with the Park Loc in the ''open'' (disengaged) position first. Once you have a firm pedal, engage the Park Loc and check for any micro-leaks around the NPT fittings. If the pedal feels spongy only when the Park Loc is used, there may be a small air pocket trapped inside the valve body itself. Gently tapping the valve body with a plastic mallet while bleeding can help dislodge stubborn air bubbles.

Tip 3: Understand the Limitations of Hydraulic Locking

It is vital to remember that the Park Loc is a temporary holding device, not a long-term storage solution. Over several days or weeks, hydraulic pressure can naturally migrate or drop due to temperature changes or microscopic seepage, which could cause the brakes to release. Never rely on the Park Loc as the sole means of securing a vehicle on a trailer or for long-term storage on a hill. Additionally, always warn anyone driving the vehicle that the brakes must be pumped once to release the pressure after the button is pulled back; otherwise, you may experience brake drag if the valve didn''t fully seat in the open position.