Disc Brake Kit, 4 On 130mm, For Super Beetle Wilwood Silver

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your Super Beetle''s stopping power with the ultimate combination of EMPI engineering and Wilwood performance. For decades, the air-cooled community has dealt with the limitations of factory drum brakes, which often suffer from significant heat fade and inconsistent pedal feel during spirited driving or modern traffic conditions. This kit eliminates those concerns by providing a direct-fit disc brake conversion featuring silver-finished, billet aluminum Wilwood calipers. Unlike standard cast iron calipers found in budget kits, these Wilwood units offer superior rigidity and massive weight savings, ensuring that every ounce of pressure you apply to the pedal translates into immediate, predictable clamping force against the high-quality vented rotors. It is the single most impactful safety upgrade you can perform on your Super Beetle''s front end.

This kit is specifically engineered for the unique McPherson strut front suspension of the Volkswagen Super Beetle, maintaining the classic 4 on 130mm bolt pattern so you can retain your favorite factory or aftermarket wheels while enjoying modern braking technology. By utilizing vented rotors rather than solid discs, this system dissipates heat far more efficiently, making it an ideal choice for heavier builds, high-horsepower engines, or owners who frequently navigate mountain passes and canyon roads. Every component, from the precision-machined mounting brackets to the world-class SKF bearings, has been selected to provide a seamless installation and long-term reliability. When you choose this EMPI and Wilwood partnership from Appletree Auto, you aren''t just buying parts; you''re investing in the safety, performance, and confidence of your classic VW.

FITMENT

• 1971-1979 VW Super Beetle (Type 1)
• 1971-1972 1302 Models
• 1973-1979 1303 Models
• Super Beetle Convertibles: All Years

SPECS

• Caliper Brand: Wilwood Performance
• Caliper Type: Billet Aluminum Multi-Piston
• Caliper Finish: Silver Anodized
• Rotor Style: Vented for Maximum Cooling
• Bolt Pattern: 4 on 130mm VW Lug Pattern
• Lug Hole Thread: 14mm x 1.5mm
• Bearing Brand: SKF High-Performance Bearings
• Wheel Requirement: Minimum 15-inch Diameter Wheels Required
• Includes: Rotors, Calipers, Pads, Mounting Brackets, SKF Bearings, Seals, and Hardware

PRO TIPS

1. Confirm Wheel Clearance and Offset

While this kit is designed to fit the 4 on 130mm bolt pattern, the physical size of the Wilwood billet caliper is larger than a standard drum or a low-profile cast caliper. You MUST use at least a 15-inch wheel to clear the diameter of the rotor and caliper assembly. However, even with 15-inch wheels, the "face" or spokes of some aftermarket wheels may sit too close to the caliper. Before finalizing your installation, always "dry fit" the wheel over the caliper and rotate it by hand to ensure there is no contact. If the clearance is tight, you may need a small wheel spacer to push the wheel outward and clear the caliper body.

2. Proper Bearing Packing and Seal Seating

This kit includes premium SKF bearings, which are the gold standard for reliability. To ensure they last the life of the vehicle, you must pack them thoroughly with a high-quality, high-temperature disc brake grease. Do not simply coat the outside of the rollers; use a bearing packer or the "palm method" to force grease through the cage until it oozes out the other side. Additionally, when installing the inner grease seal, ensure it is seated perfectly flush and square. A cocked seal will allow grease to leak onto your new vented rotors, which will contaminate your brake pads and significantly reduce your stopping power.

3. Master the Bleeding Process

Wilwood calipers often feature multiple bleed screws (on the top and bottom or inner and outer halves). When bleeding these units, you must always bleed the screws in the uppermost position to ensure every air bubble is purged from the internal fluid crossover passages. Start with the screw furthest from the master cylinder and work your way in. We highly recommend upgrading to a 20.6mm larger bore master cylinder when installing front discs to maintain a firm pedal feel. If you are still using the stock master cylinder, ensure it is in perfect working order, as disc brakes require more fluid volume than the original drum wheel cylinders.