EMPI Disc brake conversion (Front): Need rebuild kit pieces

[illcomm33]

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?

[slayer61]

I can't speak to the irs kits, but the swingaxle version uses a Ford Taraus rear caliper
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[illcomm33]

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.

[chrisflstf]

Any numbers stamped on it?

[illcomm33]

[vamram]

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
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"Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition
to put moral chains upon their own appetites. -Edmund Burke

'74 Super 9/16 - present, in refurb process.
'73 Super - 6/18 - Present - Daily Driver!
'75 Super Le Grande...we hardly knew ye. Sold 2025 for peanuts.
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[illcomm33]

[viiking]

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
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[illcomm33]

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.

[viiking]

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.
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[ashman40]

[slayer61]

[illcomm33]

[ashman40]

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.
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AshMan40
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'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}

[marknmelcom]