Super Beetle Front Brake Shoes, 71-79

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the safety and performance of your classic Super Beetle, nothing is more critical than the integrity of your braking system. These premium front brake shoes are engineered specifically for the 1971 through 1979 Super Beetle models, ensuring a precise fit and reliable friction surface that mirrors the original equipment manufacturer specifications. Whether you are daily driving your 1302 or 1303 or finishing a high-end restoration, these shoes provide the consistent pedal feel and stopping power needed to navigate modern traffic confidently. We understand that air-cooled enthusiasts demand parts that can handle the unique weight distribution and suspension dynamics of the Super Beetle, which is why we offer these high-quality replacement shoes designed to withstand heat soak and minimize fade during heavy use.

At Appletree Auto, we know that many air-cooled Volkswagens have lived many lives, often seeing front-end swaps or modifications in dune buggy and rail applications. That is why these front brake shoes are built to the exact 248mm diameter and 45mm width required for the Super Beetle front drums. It is a common mistake to overlook the condition of brake shoes until they begin to squeal or pull, but savvy owners know that even a small amount of gear oil or grease contamination from a leaking wheel cylinder or hub seal can ruin a shoe''s effectiveness. Because the friction lining is porous, it will absorb fluids that cannot simply be cleaned off with brake cleaner. Replacing your shoes as a complete set of four ensures balanced braking across the entire front axle, preventing dangerous pulling and ensuring that your VW stops straight and true every single time.

FITMENT

• 1971-1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle (1302 Sedan and Convertible)
• 1973-1975 Volkswagen Super Beetle (1303 Sedan)
• 1973-1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle (1303 Convertible)
• Custom Applications: Any Dune Buggy or Woods Buggy utilizing 1971-79 Super Beetle front drum assemblies.

SPECS

• OEM Reference: 113-609-237H
• Manufacturer Part Number: EMPI 98-6092-B
• Quantity: 4 Pieces (Complete set for one front axle/two wheels)
• Shoe Diameter: 9-7/8 Inches (248mm)
• Shoe Width: 1-13/16 Inches (45mm)
• Placement: Front Axle Only
• Construction: High-strength bonded friction material on steel backing plates
• Compatibility: Designed for use with original or replacement 4-lug Super Beetle front drums

PRO TIPS

1. The Zero-Tolerance Oil Rule

One of the most frequent mistakes we see in the shop is an owner trying to "save" a set of brake shoes that have been soaked in brake fluid or wheel bearing grease. Because the friction material on these shoes is porous, it acts like a sponge for petroleum products. Even if the surface looks clean after a heavy dousing of brake cleaner, the heat generated during braking will draw the absorbed oil back to the surface, causing the brakes to "glaze" or slip. This results in an extremely dangerous pulling sensation to one side. If you see any signs of moisture on your old shoes, replace them immediately and install new wheel cylinder seals to protect your new investment.

2. Verify Your Drum Diameter and Width

Super Beetles are unique in the VW world because they utilize a MacPherson strut front end, which features different brake dimensions than the standard torsion-beam Beetle. Before you pull the trigger on your order, especially if you are working on a kit car or a buggy where parts may have been swapped over the decades, always measure your current shoes. These shoes are 45mm wide. If your shoes are narrower, you likely have a standard Beetle front end. Installing the wrong width shoe can lead to uneven wear on the drum surface or mechanical interference with the backing plate hardware.

3. Proper "Arcing" and Bedding Procedure

To get the longest life and best performance out of your new Super Beetle brake shoes, you must ensure the drum surface is smooth and "true." If your drums have deep grooves or are "out of round," the new shoes will only make contact on the high spots, leading to poor stopping power and overheating. We recommend having your drums turned at a machine shop or replaced if they are beyond the maximum diameter. Once installed, perform a series of gentle stops from 30 MPH to 5 MPH to "bed" the shoes to the drum. Avoid aggressive panic stops for the first 100 miles to allow the friction material to properly heat-cycle and conform to the drum arc.