Rear Brake Spring Kit, Fits Beetle 57-66, Ghia 57-66

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the stopping power of your vintage Volkswagen, the small details often make the biggest difference. This comprehensive Rear Brake Spring Kit is specifically engineered for the 1957 to 1966 Beetle and Karmann Ghia, providing a complete hardware refresh for both rear wheels. Over decades of service, original brake springs lose their heat treatment and tensile strength due to thousands of heat cycles and constant tension. Weak springs fail to retract the brake shoes promptly, leading to excessive shoe wear, dragging drums, and increased rolling resistance that robs your air-cooled engine of precious horsepower. By installing this high-quality hardware kit, you are ensuring that your drum brakes operate with the precision and snap they had when they first rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.

Don''t make the common mistake of installing brand-new brake shoes while reusing tired, rusty, or stretched-out hardware. This kit includes every essential component needed to secure your shoes to the backing plate, including the return springs and hold-down assemblies. Whether you are performing a routine brake service or a ground-up restoration, using fresh spring steel is vital for safety. These components are manufactured to strict tolerances to match the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications, ensuring a perfect fit without the frustration of "universal" kits that never quite seat correctly. Investing in this kit means you won''t have to worry about a "mushy" pedal feel caused by unresponsive hardware, giving you the confidence to navigate modern traffic in your classic VW.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for the 5-lug (205mm bolt pattern) rear drum brake systems found on the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Coupe & Convertible): 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966.
• Note: Specifically for rear axle applications only.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-698-537B.
• Quantity: Complete set for two (2) rear wheels.
• Material: High-tensile, heat-treated spring steel for maximum longevity.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating to prevent rust bonding in humid environments.
• Kit Includes: Upper and lower return springs, shoe hold-down pins, and hold-down spring clips/caps.
• Application: Compatible with standard 230mm x 40mm rear brake shoes.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with swing-axle rear ends typical of this era.

PRO TIPS

1. Orientation Matters for Safety

When installing the upper return springs, pay close attention to the direction of the hooks. Always ensure the "open" end of the hook is facing toward the backing plate. This prevents the spring from potentially making contact with the brake drum during operation. If the spring is installed backward, it can rub against the rotating drum, leading to harmonic vibration, excessive heat, and eventual spring failure. Take a high-resolution photo of your existing setup before disassembly to use as a reference point, but remember that a previous owner might have installed them incorrectly!

2. Use the Right Tool for the Job

While it is tempting to use a pair of Vise-Grips or needle-nose pliers to stretch these springs into place, doing so often results in "nicking" the metal. A small scratch on a high-tension spring creates a stress riser that can lead to a snapped spring later. We highly recommend using a dedicated brake spring tool. This tool allows you to leverage the spring into the shoe eyelet safely and smoothly. Not only does it protect the hardware, but it also saves your knuckles from the inevitable slip-off that occurs when using standard pliers.

3. Prep the Backing Plate Contact Points

While you have the hardware and shoes removed, take a moment to inspect the six raised "bosses" or contact pads on the backing plate where the shoes sit. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or old, hardened grease. Apply a very thin film of high-temperature brake lubricant (such as Moly-lube) to these spots. This allows the shoes to slide freely as the new springs pull them back. However, be extremely careful not to get any lubricant on the friction surface of the shoes or the inside of the drum, as this will lead to immediate brake failure.