Brake Pad Set, for Emergency Brake Rear Kits, 4 Pads

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, whether it is on the coastal highways in a classic Beetle or tearing up the dunes in a custom sand rail, your stopping power is just as critical as your horsepower. This EMPI Brake Pad Set is specifically engineered for rear disc brake conversion kits that feature integrated emergency brake functionality. These are the high-performance replacements you need for kits utilizing forged heavy-duty brackets and specialized e-brake calipers. Unlike standard front pads, these are designed to handle the unique thermal demands and mechanical pressures of a rear-mounted system that also serves as your primary parking brake. When your pads wear down, you lose more than just stopping distance; you lose the security of a firm emergency brake hold, making this set an essential maintenance item for any enthusiast who has upgraded from vintage drums to modern discs.

Crafted with a premium friction formula, these pads provide a consistent bite and minimal fade, ensuring that your VW stops straight and true every single time. The set includes four individual pads, providing a complete refresh for both the driver and passenger side rear calipers. We know that air-cooled owners demand reliability, which is why these pads are manufactured to meet the rigorous standards of EMPI, a name synonymous with Volkswagen performance for decades. Whether you are performing a routine brake service or finishing a ground-up restoration, installing fresh pads is the best way to protect your rotors from scoring and maintain the mechanical integrity of your heavy-duty rear disc kit. Don''t settle for generic pads that might not seat correctly in your specialized calipers; choose the components specifically designed for the forged bracket systems that have become the industry standard for Beetle, Ghia, and off-road applications.

FITMENT

This brake pad set is designed specifically for aftermarket rear disc brake conversion kits equipped with emergency brakes. It is compatible with the following vehicles when equipped with EMPI-style heavy-duty rear disc kits:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years (when converted to rear disc with e-brake)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Super Beetle: 1971-1979 (with rear disc conversion)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974 (with rear disc conversion)
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973-1974 (with rear disc conversion)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models using EMPI forged bracket rear disc kits with e-brake calipers
• Custom VW Trikes: Utilizing Volkswagen-based rear torsion or IRS suspension setups with disc upgrades

SPECS

• Product Type: Disc Brake Pad Set
• Application: Rear Axle with Emergency Brake Calipers
• Kit Contents: 4 Individual Brake Pads (Complete Rear Set)
• Part Number: 22-2891-0
• Bracket Compatibility: Designed for Heavy Duty Forged Brackets
• Weight: 1.83 lbs
• Friction Material: High-Performance Semi-Metallic/Organic Hybrid
• GTIN: 707924362527
• Installation: Direct replacement for EMPI kit calipers

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Piston Reset Technique

When you are replacing pads on a rear caliper equipped with an emergency brake, you cannot simply use a C-clamp to compress the piston like you would on a front caliper. The internal e-brake mechanism uses a threaded screw assembly. You must use a brake piston tool to rotate the piston while applying light inward pressure to retract it. Forcing the piston straight back with a clamp can strip the internal adjustment gears or damage the seals, leading to a costly caliper replacement. Always ensure the notches in the piston face are aligned correctly to seat the pins on the back of the new brake pads.

2. The Importance of the Bedding-In Process

To get the longest life and best performance out of your new EMPI pads, you must properly ""bed"" them to the rotors. After installation, perform a series of controlled stops from 35 mph down to 5 mph, avoiding a complete standstill if possible. Repeat this 5 to 10 times to allow the friction material to transfer a thin, even layer onto the rotor surface. This process prevents brake judder, reduces squealing, and ensures that the pads and rotors work in perfect harmony. Avoid high-speed panic stops for the first 100 miles of driving to prevent glazing the pads.

3. Check Your E-Brake Cable Tension

Installing new, thicker pads will change the engagement point of your emergency brake handle. Once the pads are installed and the foot brake has been pumped several times to set the piston position, you should check the tension on your rear e-brake cables. If the cables are too tight, the pads will drag against the rotor, causing excessive heat and premature wear. If they are too loose, the e-brake won''t hold the car on an incline. Adjust the nuts at the base of the e-brake handle so that the brakes are fully engaged at 3 to 5 clicks of the lever, but spin freely when the lever is down.