VW Rear Drum Brake Kit — 5x205 Early Wide-5, 5-Lug | Beetle & Ghia 1958–1964 (22-5000-0)

VW Rear Drum Brake Kit — 5x205 Early Wide-5, 5-Lug | Beetle & Ghia 1958–1964 (22-5000-0)Maintain the factory correct look and feel of your vintage Volkswagen with the EMPI Rear Drum Brake Kit. Specifically designed for 19581964 Swing Axle models, this kit is the definitive "all in one" solution for restoring your rear braking system to its original German spec performance. Whether you are performing a "nothing to hide" restoration or simply refreshing a reliable daily driver, this kit eliminates the headache of sourcing individual

Maintain the factory-correct look and feel of your vintage Volkswagen with the EMPI Rear Drum Brake Kit. Specifically designed for 1958–1964 Swing Axle models, this kit is the definitive "all-in-one" solution for restoring your rear braking system to its original German-spec performance. Whether you are performing a "nothing to hide" restoration or simply refreshing a reliable daily driver, this kit eliminates the headache of sourcing individual springs, clips, and hoses.

Every component in this kit is 100% new—no core charges or refurbished parts. It is engineered as a direct bolt-on replacement, requiring zero modifications to your chassis or backing plates. By replacing your worn, heat-pitted drums and leaky wheel cylinders with this matched set, you’ll restore the firm, predictable pedal feel your classic VW had when it first left the showroom.

Key Features:

• Complete Restoration Solution: Includes every wear item from the drums to the cotter pins, ensuring a comprehensive safety overhaul.

• Period-Correct 5x205 Pattern: Features the iconic "Wide-5" 5-lug pattern used on early Beetles and Ghias.

• Modern Material Quality: Stamped and cast to modern tolerances, providing better heat dissipation than aged, thin-walled factory drums.

• Direct Bolt-On: Engineered for a perfect fit on 1958–1964 Swing Axles without the need for spacers or adapters.

• OE Style Components: Maintains the original aesthetics of your chassis, perfect for high-level restoration projects.

Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

Note: This kit replaces all internal and external wear components. Ensure your backing plates are clean and free of cracks before assembly.

1. Preparation: Secure the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels and the large 36mm axle nut.

2. Drum Removal: Pull the old drum. If it's stuck, back off the star adjusters through the backing plate holes.

3. Disassembly: Remove the old springs, shoes, wheel cylinders, and flexible brake hoses. Clean the backing plate with brake cleaner and a wire brush.

4. Install Wheel Cylinder: Bolt the new wheel cylinder to the backing plate.

5. Assemble Shoes: Install the new brake shoes using the provided hardware kit. Apply a small amount of high-temp brake grease to the contact points on the backing plate.

6. Plumbing: Install the new OE Style Brake Hoses. Ensure they are not twisted or rubbing against any suspension components.

7. Drum & Nut: Slide the new drum onto the splines. Install the new axle nut and torque to factory specifications (typically 217+ ft-lbs) to properly seat the hub. Never forget the cotter pin.

8. Adjustment & Bleeding: Adjust the shoes until they slightly drag, then back off two clicks. Perform a full system brake bleed starting from the rear.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 22-5000-0

• Bolt Pattern: 5x205mm (Early 5-Lug)

• Suspension Type: Swing Axle

• Fitment: * VW Type 1 (Beetle/Bug): 1958–1964

  • Karmann Ghia: 1958–1964