Emergency Brake Cable, for Disc Brake Kits, 72 Long

OVERVIEW

Upgrading your air-cooled Volkswagen to a rear disc brake system is one of the single most effective ways to improve stopping power and safety, but the conversion is never truly complete until your emergency brake is fully functional. The EMPI 72-inch Emergency Brake Cable is specifically engineered to bridge the gap between your classic VW chassis and modern disc brake calipers. Standard drum brake cables are often the wrong length or feature incompatible end fittings that won''t seat correctly in a disc brake actuator arm. This cable eliminates the guesswork and "rigging" often associated with brake swaps, providing a direct-fit solution for EMPI disc brake kits. Whether you are building a street-ready Beetle, a sleek Karmann Ghia, or a rugged off-road woods buggy, having a reliable parking brake is non-negotiable for both safety and passing vehicle inspections.

Constructed with durability in mind, these cables feature a heavy-duty outer conduit designed to resist compression and a high-tensile steel inner cable that translates every click of your handbrake handle into immediate clamping force at the calipers. The 72-inch length is specifically optimized for various air-cooled applications where extra reach is required to clear suspension components and route cleanly into the disc brake hardware. At Appletree Auto, we know that the "devil is in the details" when it comes to custom VW builds. By using these specialized cables designed for kits like the 22-2870-0 and 22-2906-0, you ensure that your e-brake doesn''t just look the part, but performs flawlessly under pressure. Don''t settle for a "close enough" fitment when it comes to your vehicle''s braking system; choose the cable that was built for the job.

FITMENT

This cable is designed for use with specific EMPI Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kits and typically fits the following air-cooled models when equipped with those kits:

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1968-1979 (Ideal for IRS and specific Long-Axle configurations)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1968-1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Using VW-based chassis and rear disc conversions
• Compatible EMPI Kit Part Numbers: 22-2870-0, 22-2906-0, 22-2913-0, 22-2919-0

SPECS

• Overall Length: 72 Inches (1828.8mm)
• Inner Cable Material: High-tensile braided steel for maximum pull strength
• Outer Housing: Compression-resistant spiral-wound steel with a protective black polymer coating
• Caliper End: Specific barrel or hook fitting designed for disc brake actuator arms
• Handle End: Threaded adjustable tip for standard VW e-brake handle equalizers
• Quantity: Sold individually (Two required per vehicle)
• Part Number: 22-6099-0

PRO TIPS

1. Clean Your Guide Tubes Before Installation

Before sliding your new 72-inch cables into the chassis, take the time to clean out the internal guide tubes that run through the center tunnel. Over decades, these tubes accumulate old, hardened grease, dirt, and rust. Use a long piece of wire or a small round brush attached to a drill to clear out obstructions, then blow them out with compressed air. Applying a light coat of lithium grease or graphite lubricant to the new inner cable will ensure a smooth, effortless pull at the handle and prevent the cable from binding or snapping due to excessive friction.

2. Adjust the Calipers Before the Cables

A common mistake is tightening the emergency brake cables at the handle before the disc brake pads are properly seated. To get the best pedal feel and e-brake performance, you must first bleed your hydraulic system and pump the brake pedal several times to set the piston position at the rear calipers. Once the pads are making proper contact with the rotors, then you should adjust the nuts on the e-brake handle equalizer bar. This ensures that the cable isn''t doing the work of the hydraulic system, which leads to premature cable stretch and poor stopping power.

3. Maintain Equalizer Bar Alignment

When you are finishing the installation, look closely at the equalizer bar under the rubber boot of your e-brake handle. It should sit perfectly level when the brake is applied. If one side is tilted further forward than the other, your cables are pulling unevenly, which can cause one rear wheel to lock up before the other or lead to uneven pad wear. Adjust the 10mm nuts until both cables have equal tension. This is crucial for disc brake setups because the mechanical leverage required to move a caliper arm is more sensitive than the leverage used for traditional drum brake shoes.