EMPI rear disk caliper

[Brent'sGarage]

For anyone replacing your rear EMPI calipers and not wanting another EMPI product...like me, I had a hunch that all of the manufacturers had copied the VARGA product, which is true of EMPI.

The cheapest replacement I found came from AirCooled at $59.95, but they charge you $23 to ship.... http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Rear-Disc-Brake-Kit-Brake-Caliper-Left-4199-p/cb4199.htm or SoCal at $89.95

BUT, here's the catch: the new caliper bracket does not space the caliper correctly to center the rotor in the caliper with the EMPI axle brackets so you will have to remove the new caliper brackets and replace them with the old caliper to-axle-bracket which for me was better, but still off center the way it came from EMPI. This was my option to salvage my expense on the Rear Disk Brake Kit.

So, I was forced to alter the old EMPI caliper bracket by grinding and filing the 2 mounting pillars so that the rotor was more in the center of the caliper, and I had to do this because I have no access to a milling machine
and because the caliper bracket that came with the caliper had more steel to grind and file than the old EMPI bracket.

You will have to grind and file the surfaces so they are the same distance (height) from the backside of the casting as measured with either a dial caliper or micrometers as close as you can get it to match each pillar height.

In other words..FLAT so that both of the entire flat areas are in contact with the axle bracket at the same time without any rocking, and measures within about 5 thousandths of an inch compared to the other pillar flat height.

At least, that's the way I did it.

[pitargue]

Curious after a couple of years how everyone's replaced calipers held up.

Still looking for a rebuild kit. If anyone knows this, please share.

[alikatcraig]

My Empi one is leaking, although it still works. Really can't be bothered to fix crap, so I will either put a pair of German Audi rear calipers on or go to Type 3 rear drums. Why is there so much CRAP out there????
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1967 Ghia
1971 Deluxe Microbus
1974 Convertible Bug
1973 Standard Bug
1998 Mexican Bug

[tisius]

So has anyone fixed a leaking e-brake shaft on the Empi rear caliper?
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drive it like you just robbed the bank
you don't have to be crazy to be into VW's, but it sure helps!!
.... if it ain't dutch, it ain't much!

[tisius]