Brake Adjustment Screw, Fits Beetle 65-79, Ghia 65-74, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the safety and performance of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the smallest components often play the most critical roles. This EMPI Brake Adjustment Screw is a precision-engineered replacement for the vital hardware found inside your drum brake assembly. Over decades of service, original adjustment screws often become victims of road grime, moisture, and heat cycling, leading to seized threads or rounded-off "star" teeth. When these screws fail to turn freely, it becomes impossible to properly set the distance between your brake shoes and the drum, resulting in a "soft" pedal, uneven braking, or premature shoe wear. Replacing your old, corroded hardware with these high-quality units ensures that your braking system remains responsive and easy to service during your regular maintenance intervals.

At Appletree Auto, we understand that a restoration is only as good as the hardware holding it together. These brake adjustment screws are manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring the thread pitch and star-wheel geometry perfectly match the original German specifications. Whether you are performing a complete brake overhaul on a 1967 Beetle or simply trying to get your Super Beetle''s stopping power back to factory standards, these screws provide the reliability you need. Sold individually, these components allow you to replace exactly what is broken or seized, though we always recommend replacing them in pairs per wheel to ensure consistent adjustment across the entire axle. Don''t let a frozen adjuster compromise your driving experience; upgrade to fresh hardware and feel the difference in your VW''s pedal feedback.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): All Years (1961-1973)
• Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974

SPECS

• Part Number: 131-609-209 (Reference: 98-6116-B)
• Material: High-tensile hardened steel for maximum durability
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating to prevent seizing
• Thread Pitch: Metric standard for Type 1 and Type 3 applications
• Component Type: Star-wheel style manual adjuster
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each)
• Application: Fits both front and rear drum brake assemblies (where applicable)

PRO TIPS

1. Use High-Temp Anti-Seize During Installation

Before you thread the new adjustment screw into the brake star-wheel housing, apply a light coating of high-temperature nickel or copper anti-seize to the threads. This simple step is a lifesaver for future maintenance. Because these components are exposed to the elements and high heat from braking friction, they are prone to "cold welding" or rusting in place. By using anti-seize now, you ensure that two years down the road, you can still easily adjust your brakes through the backing plate hole without fighting a frozen screw.

2. Master the "Click" and Back-Off Method

When adjusting your brakes, always ensure the car is safely on jack stands. Tighten the adjustment screw until the wheel can no longer be turned by hand (the shoes are locked against the drum). Once locked, back the screw off exactly 2 to 3 "clicks" or notches on the star wheel. You should hear a slight, consistent drag of the shoes against the drum when you spin the wheel, but it should rotate freely. This ensures the shortest possible pedal travel and prevents the brakes from overheating due to excessive drag.

3. Inspect the Adjuster Hole Plugs

While you are replacing the adjustment screws, take a moment to inspect the rubber plugs on the back of your brake backing plates. If these plugs are missing, cracked, or dry-rotted, they will allow road salt, water, and grit to enter the drum and contaminate your new hardware. Keeping these holes sealed is the best way to protect your investment and keep your new adjustment screws turning smoothly for years to come. If yours are missing, grab a new set of backing plate plugs while you are ordering your screws.