TheSamba.com :: View topic - EMPI Disc brake conversion (Front): Need rebuild kit pieces

Fri Nov 07, 2025 6:03 pm

Empi front disc brake conversion (22-2855…originally referenced 22-2982 which was not accurate) on a 74 Super Beetle.

As you can see from the photos one of the pistons dust covers has nicked boot and the clip/ring to hold it on the caliper is also missing. This happened when I removed the new pads to try crc disc quiet to silent the constant screeching….

Does anyone know where to get that boot/ring?

These brakes have like 50 miles on them so I don’t want to even consider replacing the caliper.

CIP1 has a few kits but not for EMPI and cost almost as much as a new caliper.
I don’t want to roll the dice …

Anything generic/option that might work?

Fri Nov 07, 2025 7:35 pm

I can't speak to the irs kits, but the swingaxle version uses a Ford Taraus rear caliper

Fri Nov 07, 2025 8:09 pm

Thanks for taking the time to share a possible option. I will stop by the local LPS tomorrow.
The diameter for what I think is the missing silver ring/clip is approximately 50mm and the shelf it sits on is about 3mm wide. The shelf does not have a lip or groove.

Fri Nov 07, 2025 8:31 pm

Any numbers stamped on it?

Sat Nov 08, 2025 7:34 am

chrisflstf wrote: Any numbers stamped on it?

I looked again and there are no numbers or markings…

Sat Nov 08, 2025 7:52 am

There are these from CIP1.Com. They might be able to tell you if one of the kits is compatible, since they also sell your same disc brake kit.

https://www2.cip1.com/search-results-page?q=caliper%20rebuild%20kit

Sat Nov 08, 2025 11:20 am

vamram wrote: There are these from CIP1.Com. They might be able to tell you if one of the kits is compatible, since they also sell your same disc brake kit.

https://www2.cip1.com/search-results-page?q=caliper%20rebuild%20kit

I might have to go this route. Napa, AutoZone, Advance Auto, OReily’s came up empty. UGH.

So the Empi caliper I have is from the Jbugs conversion kit 22.2855. And is stamped with a “W” (or ”M”) and “Empi.”

Per CIP “ you will need to determine which calipers your car has….look for names ATE - GIRLING or VARGA.”

I guess I will send CIP1 and email to see if they can point me in the right direction for a kit.

Sat Nov 08, 2025 2:45 pm

I rebuilt my original OEM ATE disc callipers with a kit. Few years ago now.

However if the EMPI disc is a copy of the original VW 2-pin pad retaining bolt (not sure if it is or not) you can buy a kit to do so. Unfortunately the seal you need is only one part of that kit so you end up with a lot of expensive parts you don't need.

Now if you go to this page, you will clearly see that the seal is a FAG RS 40 500. If you search for that seal on the FAG website it should give you a dimension which you should be able to use to search for the individual seal, if not from FAG then a generic one. There is also a 1-pin pad retaining bolt drawing as well on a separate page. It appears to use the same seal. Of course warning I cannot guarantee how correct those photos are but you should be able to get dimensions from FAG and compare to your torn seal.

https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/au/111698471a-brake-caliper-repair-kit-for-square-2-pin-pad.html

Mon Nov 10, 2025 1:41 pm

Appreciate the help and direction on this dust boot issue.
After comparing and researching the Hertiage part # listed above I think the EMPI calipers are closer to Varga style than ATE style. The torn dust boot I have is very different than the one shown on the Heritage site.

So after checking with AI I am going to roll the dice on a BR version kit.

The BugHaus had the kit listed and “reasonable” with shipping. ($22 total…)

Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit for 2-pin Varga Caliper 311698471BR

THE “BR” in the part number is important. Without the BR it is the ATE caliper rebuild kit.

Here is an image of the Varga “BR” style kit from CIP1.

I am crossing my fingers this works and hope this topic helps somebody else down the road. Updates to follow.

Mon Nov 10, 2025 3:45 pm

That is great detective work and good to know about the EMPI/VARGA tie up.

I'm really impressed with the level of detail that you get from the AI search. Whilst you have to take all the answers with a "grain of salt" it is interesting where it finds out all of this related information. For example somewhere on the internet there must be a comment that the EMPI is a copy of the VARGA.

It stoked my curiosity so I asked:

"Is the empi front disc brake identical for a VW beetle the same as the VARGA"

No, EMPI and VARGA front disc brake components are not identical for a VW Beetle. They are two distinct brands of aftermarket and reproduction parts, though you might find them sold by the same retailers.

I guess the specific question may give different results hence the "grain of salt" comment. I will however be very interested in how you go.

Mon Nov 10, 2025 4:21 pm

slayer61 wrote: I can't speak to the irs kits, but the swingaxle version uses a Ford Taraus rear caliper
I think you are referring to the rear disc brake kits.

The Empi kit referened (22-2982) is a front disc brake kit. The description of the kits states,
Quote: Factory-based disc brake upgrade
Stock-style VW disc brake calipers and rotors

This is not uncommon. Many Beetle front disc brake kits are based on VW Ghia front disc brakes which used 1pin and 2pin brake pads. From the pics of the kit, your calipers are the 2pin type. Just like viiking describes above. I believe the caliper rebuild kit you are looking for has a VW part# = 111-698-471A
111-698-471 = 1pin caliper
111-698-471A = 2pin caliper
111-698-471B = U-clip caliper

This is based on some searching. You should measure the piston diameter an compare with the skirt and square ring seal that comes in the kit. You may be able to find/order the part from your FLAPS.

Found this useful description:
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/brake-caliper-rebuild-111-698-471-a/
Quote: VW Part#:111-698-471 A
For Two Pin Style Calipers with 40mm Pistons. If your Caliper has 43mm Pistons, order 311-698-471. Brake Caliper Seal Kit (for 1 Caliper)

Hope that helps!

Mon Nov 10, 2025 4:28 pm

ashman40 wrote: slayer61 wrote: I can't speak to the irs kits, but the swingaxle version uses a Ford Taraus rear caliper
I think you are referring to the rear disc brake kits.

The Empi kit referened (22-2982) is a front disc brake kit. The description of the kits states,
Quote: Factory-based disc brake upgrade
Stock-style VW disc brake calipers and rotors

This is not uncommon. Many Beetle front disc brake kits are based on VW Ghia front disc brakes which used 1pin and 2pin brake pads. From the pics of the kit, your calipers are the 2pin type. Just like viiking describes above. I believe the caliper rebuild kit you are looking for has a VW part# = 111-698-471A
111-698-471 = 1pin caliper
111-698-471A = 2pin caliper
111-698-471B = U-clip caliper

This is based on some searching. You should measure the piston diameter an compare with the skirt and square ring seal that comes in the kit. You may be able to find/order the part from your FLAPS.

Found this useful description:
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/brake-caliper-rebuild-111-698-471-a/
Quote: VW Part#:111-698-471 A
For Two Pin Style Calipers with 40mm Pistons. If your Caliper has 43mm Pistons, order 311-698-471. Brake Caliper Seal Kit (for 1 Caliper)

Hope that helps!

Ya. I thought he was talking about rears. :oops:

Wed Nov 12, 2025 11:25 am

ashman40 wrote:

This is not uncommon. Many Beetle front disc brake kits are based on VW Ghia front disc brakes which used 1pin and 2pin brake pads. From the pics of the kit, your calipers are the 2pin type. Just like viiking describes above. I believe the caliper rebuild kit you are looking for has a VW part# = 111-698-471A
111-698-471 = 1pin caliper
111-698-471A = 2pin caliper
111-698-471B = U-clip caliper

This is based on some searching. You should measure the piston diameter an compare with the skirt and square ring seal that comes in the kit. You may be able to find/order the part from your FLAPS.

Found this useful description:
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/brake-caliper-rebuild-111-698-471-a/
Quote: VW Part#:111-698-471 A
For Two Pin Style Calipers with 40mm Pistons. If your Caliper has 43mm Pistons, order 311-698-471. Brake Caliper Seal Kit (for 1 Caliper)

Hope that helps!

Just received a reply back from CIP 1 and they agree with ashman40.

“Aftermarket calipers will match the ATE style 2 pin correct for 11/71 - 9/72
Documentation is limited on rebuilding these ones as they are so in-expensive to replace.
The kit that should be correct is our part # VWC-111-698-471-A but I recommend looking at new calipers as it is a better price.

bolt on replacement calipers options.
EMPI - C13-98-1150-B - $57.81 each
Generic - VWC-311-615-107-8EC $41.18 each
Or WIlwood upgrade: C13-16-2526 $465.42 Pair”

Fri Nov 14, 2025 4:46 pm

You might also check with your FLAPS for their cost. Some will have very good warranty coverage for stock replacement parts. Maybe a little more expensive but you have the option to return/replace failed parts. Not sure how it is for brakes but starters and alternators seem like a fair option.

Fri Nov 28, 2025 5:37 pm

ashman40 wrote: slayer61 wrote: I can't speak to the irs kits, but the swingaxle version uses a Ford Taraus rear caliper
I think you are referring to the rear disc brake kits.

The Empi kit referened (22-2982) is a front disc brake kit. The description of the kits states,
Quote: Factory-based disc brake upgrade
Stock-style VW disc brake calipers and rotors

This is not uncommon. Many Beetle front disc brake kits are based on VW Ghia front disc brakes which used 1pin and 2pin brake pads. From the pics of the kit, your calipers are the 2pin type. Just like viiking describes above. I believe the caliper rebuild kit you are looking for has a VW part# = 111-698-471A
111-698-471 = 1pin caliper
111-698-471A = 2pin caliper
111-698-471B = U-clip caliper

This is based on some searching. You should measure the piston diameter an compare with the skirt and square ring seal that comes in the kit. You may be able to find/order the part from your FLAPS.

Found this useful description:
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/brake-caliper-rebuild-111-698-471-a/
Quote: VW Part#:111-698-471 A
For Two Pin Style Calipers with 40mm Pistons. If your Caliper has 43mm Pistons, order 311-698-471. Brake Caliper Seal Kit (for 1 Caliper)

Nice comment as always Ashman40.

I recently did an EMPI Disc kit in all four corners. I wanted to drop this info here, in case someone else happens on this useful thread. I found a this info a bit hard to come up with, so here it is.
(I know it doesn't help the original poster, but may help others)

My EMPI fronts are different from the typical cloned Ghia caliper setup which most of us have seen before.

Here are the part numbers:
EMPI 22-6125-B Caliper for EMPI Disc Brake Kit - Right Side - Front
EMPI 22-6126-B Caliper for EMPI Disc Brake Kit - Left Side - Front

These seem to be 1981-1984 Rabbit/Jetta. (Which I've confirmed)
In typical EMPI fashion, they don't ship with any pad anti-rattle clips.

Fortunately I found: Dynamic Friction 340-74007 Anti Rattle Clips/Springs Front (for 1981-1984 Rabbit/Jetta etc).

My EMPI IRS rears were also the Ford Taurus style caliper. Here are the part numbers:

EMPI 22-6123-B Rear Caliper Left w/Parking Brake
EMPI 22-6124-B Rear Caliper Right w/Parking Brake

These also have pad rattle, and don't have anti-rattle clips, however I tried some aftermarket Ford Taurus clips and they did not fit the aftermarket castings. Still looking for that solution.

The Taurus pads are: 2006 Ford Taurus Rear Pad - be610h / PR610C

I hope others find this disc brake info helpful.