VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia Front Disc Brake Kit 1954–1965 Link Pin — EMPI 22-2880-0, Zero Offset 5x205 Wide-5, Single Master Cylinder
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EMPI Front Disc Brake Kit — Link Pin, Zero Offset 5x205 (22-2880-0)
EMPI 22-2880-0 is a zero-offset front disc brake kit for link-pin VW Beetles 1954–1965 and Karmann Ghias 1956–1965. It bolts to the stock drum-brake spindles, keeps the 5x205 Wide-5 wheel pattern and factory track width, and includes a single-circuit master cylinder. It needs 15" or larger wheels and covers both front wheels; it does not fit drop spindles, ball-joint cars or the Super Beetle.
Part numbers: EMPI 22-2880-0 / 22-2880 / short number 2880 · UPC 707924362442 · Same kit with dual master cylinder: 22-2879-0 · Replacement pads EMPI 22-2892-0 (premium 22-2994-0)
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1954–1965 | VW Beetle (link pin) | Front; stock drum-brake spindles; 5x205 wheels, 15" or larger |
| 1956–1965 | VW Karmann Ghia (link pin) | Front; stock drum-brake spindles; 5x205 wheels, 15" or larger |
| — | Dune buggy on a link-pin VW front beam | Stock spindles (dealer-listed, two sources agree) |
| — | Does not fit: drop spindles | Bolts to stock link-pin spindles only |
| 1966-on | Does not fit: ball-joint front ends | Link-pin only |
| — | Does not fit: Super Beetle | |
| — | Not confirmed: narrowed or aftermarket link-pin beams; Porsche 356 | EMPI sells 22-2996-0 for the 356 |
Requires 15" or larger wheels; 14" wheels will not clear the calipers.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | EMPI 22-2880-0 |
| Type | Front disc brake conversion kit, link pin, zero offset |
| Lug pattern | 5-lug 5x205 mm (VW Wide-5); rotor threads 12 x 1.5 mm |
| Master cylinder | Single circuit (included) |
| Wheel size | 15" minimum |
| Replacement pads | 22-2892-0 (premium 22-2994-0) |
| Sold as | Kit (both front wheels) |
| UPC | 707924362442 |
| Country of origin | China |
| Shipping weight | 74.05 lb |
| Package dimensions | 13 x 13 x 23 in |
What's included
- Rotors
- Calipers with pads
- Caliper mounting brackets
- Single master cylinder
- OE-style brake hoses
- Wheel bearings and grease seals
- Dust caps, hardware and instructions (EMPI list)
Why it matters
Early link-pin Beetles stop on small front drums that fade on a long downhill and pull when one shoe glazes. This kit swaps them for calipers and rotors on your existing spindles with no spindle swap and no ride-height change, and because it holds the front track within a hair of factory, the tire sits where it did with drums and nothing rubs. The single master cylinder matches the factory single-circuit system of these cars.
Installation notes
- Brakes are safety-critical. If you have not bled a VW system before, have a trained mechanic do the install.
- Route each hose so it cannot rub or stretch at full lock and full droop. Wrong hose length is how these kits fail.
- Use DOT 3 fluid only, bleed the master cylinder first, then work from the wheel farthest from it.
- Clean every brake surface and put disc-brake grease on the pad backs and caliper contact points to stop squeal. Bed the pads in with several moderate stops before hard braking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the EMPI 22-2880-0 front disc brake kit fit a 1963 VW Beetle?
Yes. It fits 1954–1965 link-pin (king-pin) Beetles and 1956–1965 Karmann Ghias on the stock drum-brake spindles, with 5x205 Wide-5 wheels of 15 inches or larger.
Will it fit a ball-joint car or drop spindles?
No. It bolts to the stock link-pin drum spindles only. It does not fit 1966-on ball-joint front ends, the Super Beetle, or drop spindles.
Do I need new wheels for a link-pin disc brake conversion?
Not if you run stock 5x205 Wide-5 wheels. The rotors are drilled for 5x205, so there are no adapters. The wheels must be 15 inches or larger; 14-inch wheels will not clear the calipers.
What does zero offset mean on this kit?
The kit keeps the factory front track width within a hair, so the tire sits where it did with drums and does not rub the fender.
Why does the kit use a single master cylinder?
It matches the factory single-circuit system of these cars. If you are converting all four wheels to disc or want a dual-circuit system, EMPI sells the same kit with a dual master cylinder as 22-2879-0.
What are the replacement pads for 22-2880-0?
EMPI 22-2892-0, or 22-2994-0 premium.
Related parts
- EMPI Link & King Pin Rebuild Kit
- Brakes & Components · VW Beetle Parts · VW Karmann Ghia Parts · EMPI Parts
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.
