Disc Brake Rotor, 4 On 130mm, Short Spline Swing Axle

Overview

Upgrading your vintage Volkswagen''s stopping power is one of the most critical safety enhancements you can perform, and this EMPI Disc Brake Rotor is the cornerstone of a high-performance rear brake conversion. Designed specifically for the classic 4 on 130mm lug pattern, this rotor allows you to maintain the factory wheel aesthetic of your late-model Beetle or Ghia while benefiting from the superior heat dissipation and fade resistance of a modern disc system. Whether you are navigating steep mountain grades or stop-and-go city traffic, the transition from antiquated drum brakes to these precision-machined rotors ensures a firm, predictable pedal feel that significantly reduces stopping distances. This rotor is engineered to handle the thermal stresses of aggressive driving, providing a level of reliability that original equipment simply cannot match.

What sets this particular rotor apart is its specialized "short spline" configuration, making it a direct-fit solution for pre-1968 swing axle transmissions. However, its versatility doesn''t end there; for builders working with 1968 and later Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) setups, this rotor can be easily adapted using a simple spacer (part number 22-5281-7). This dual-compatibility makes it a favorite among air-cooled enthusiasts who may be swapping transaxles or looking for a robust replacement for an existing disc kit. Manufactured from high-grade cast iron and finished to exacting tolerances, this rotor provides a smooth, true surface for your brake pads to bite into, ensuring that your Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or custom Dune Buggy stops as fast as it goes. Don''t settle for spongy drum brakes when you can bolt on the confidence of EMPI-engineered disc performance.

Fitment

• VW Beetle: Thru 1968 (Swing Axle) - Direct Fit
• VW Beetle: 1968-1979 (IRS) - Requires Spacer 22-5281-7
• VW Karmann Ghia: Thru 1968 (Swing Axle) - Direct Fit
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1968-1974 (IRS) - Requires Spacer 22-5281-7
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models utilizing Short Spline Swing Axle or IRS with proper spacing
• VW Type 3: Custom applications using Beetle-style rear brake conversions

Technical Specifications

• Lug Pattern: 4 on 130mm (Standard VW Late Pattern)
• Axle Interface: Short Spline (Pre-1968 Style)
• Rotor Diameter: 11 Inches (279.4mm)
• Total Depth: 3-1/2 Inches
• Material: High-Strength Cast Iron
• Weight: 18.4 lbs (Per Rotor)
• OEM Reference: 113-615-601S
• Finish: Precision Ground Friction Surface
• Mounting: Rear Axle Application

Pro Tips from the Garage

Pro Tip 1: Degrease Before Installation. These rotors are shipped with a thin coating of protective oil to prevent rust during transit and storage. Before you slide them onto the splines and install your calipers, it is absolutely vital that you clean the friction surfaces thoroughly with a high-quality brake cleaner. If any of that shipping oil remains on the rotor, it will contaminate your new brake pads, leading to glazed surfaces, reduced stopping power, and annoying brake squeal that is difficult to eliminate without replacing the pads entirely.

Pro Tip 2: Verify Your Spline Length. It is common for 50-year-old Volkswagens to have had transaxle swaps. Before ordering, verify if you have "short" or "long" splines. Short splines are typical on swing axle cars thru 1968. If you have a 1968-up IRS car and you want to use this rotor, you must use the 22-5281-7 spacer. Installing a short spline rotor on a long spline axle without the proper spacer will result in the axle nut bottoming out before the rotor is tight, which can lead to catastrophic failure of the splines and the hub during operation.

Pro Tip 3: Proper Torque and Seating. When installing the rear axle nut (the "36mm nut"), always use a new cotter pin and torque to the factory specification of at least 217 ft-lbs. Because these rotors are a critical part of the drivetrain interface, an under-torqued nut can allow the rotor to wobble on the splines, eventually stripping them out. After the first 50 to 100 miles of driving, we recommend re-checking the torque to ensure everything has seated perfectly against the bearing spacer and axle shoulder.