Emergengy Brake Hardware Kit,, for VW

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and reliability of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, few things are as critical as a functional parking brake system. Over decades of use, the internal ratchet and pawl components of the factory emergency brake handle inevitably wear down, leading to a handle that won''t stay up or a release button that sticks at the most inconvenient times. This EMPI Emergency Brake Hardware Kit is designed to restore the crisp, tactile engagement of your e-brake lever, ensuring that your vehicle stays exactly where you parked it, whether you''re on a steep incline or just performing routine maintenance. This kit is a must-have for any restorer or daily driver looking to eliminate the frustration of a failing parking brake mechanism and the potential safety hazards associated with a rolling vehicle.

Engineered by EMPI, a name synonymous with high-quality VW performance and restoration parts, this hardware kit provides all the essential internal components needed to rebuild your stock or aftermarket chrome emergency brake handle. By replacing the worn-out internals with these precision-manufactured parts, you restore the original mechanical integrity of the lever assembly. The kit features a durable construction designed to withstand the high-tension environment of the brake cables while providing smooth operation every time you pull the handle. Don''t settle for a sketchy parking situation or rely on leaving your car in gear alone when a simple, high-quality hardware refresh can bring your VW''s safety systems back to factory-fresh performance and peace of mind.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (All Models)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any vehicle utilizing a standard VW Type 1 style emergency brake handle assembly.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: AC711100H (Cross Ref: 111-798-100)
• Material: High-strength hardened steel components with a corrosion-resistant finish.
• Kit Includes: Internal ratchet plate, locking pawl, release button, return spring, and necessary assembly pins.
• Finish: Chrome-style release button for a clean, classic appearance.
• Weight: Approximately 0.5 lbs.
• Function: Replaces the internal locking mechanism that holds the lever in the engaged position.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with original equipment (OE) handles and most aftermarket chrome replacement handles.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Tip 1: Lubrication is Key to Longevity

When assembling your new emergency brake hardware, it is absolutely essential to apply a high-quality, high-temp lithium grease or synthetic grease to the ratchet teeth and the pivot point of the pawl. This prevents metal-on-metal galling and ensures the release button doesn''t bind up over time. Many enthusiasts skip this step and find that their new hardware starts to feel "gritty" after only a few months. A light coating of grease will provide that smooth, factory "click" and extend the life of the components significantly, especially in humid or coastal environments where internal handle corrosion is common.

Tip 2: Inspect Your Brake Cable Clevis

While you have the handle assembly apart to install this hardware kit, take a moment to inspect the emergency brake cable clevis and the cables themselves. Often, a "loose" feeling in the handle isn''t just the internal hardware; it can be caused by stretched cables or a bent clevis pin. Ensure that the cables are properly seated in the clevis before you button everything back up. If you notice any fraying on the cables where they enter the guide tubes in the chassis, now is the perfect time to replace them. A perfectly rebuilt handle won''t do much good if the cables snap the first time you give them a firm pull.

Tip 3: The Secret to Aligning the Pawl Pin

Installing the small pin that holds the pawl in place can sometimes be a bit of a balancing act inside the tight confines of the brake handle. We recommend using a small dab of heavy grease to "stick" the spring in place against the pawl while you slide the assembly into the handle. This acts like a third hand, keeping the spring from flying across the garage. Also, ensure you have a proper sized drift punch to seat the roll pins; using a screwdriver or the wrong tool can mushroom the end of the pin, making it nearly impossible to seat correctly or remove in the future if you ever need to service the unit again.