Brake Pedal Return Spring, Fits Beetle 67-79, Ghia 67-74

OVERVIEW

Restore the crisp, responsive feel of your vintage Volkswagen''s braking system with a brand-new Brake Pedal Return Spring. Over decades of use, the original factory spring in your pedal cluster can lose its tension, become brittle from corrosion, or snap entirely, leading to a "hanging" brake pedal that fails to return to its proper resting position. This isn''t just a matter of comfort; a weak or broken return spring can prevent the brake light switch from deactivating, causing your brake lights to stay on constantly and potentially draining your battery or confusing drivers behind you. This high-quality replacement spring is engineered to provide the exact tension required to pull the pedal back against the stop, ensuring your master cylinder pushrod is fully retracted and your braking system is ready for the next application.

Crafted to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this EMPI brake pedal return spring is an essential component for any pedal assembly rebuild or floor pan restoration project. When you are deep into the footwell of your Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Type 3, the last thing you want to do is reinstall a 50-year-old, rusty spring that could fail at any moment. This spring is designed for a perfect fit on late-model stock pedal clusters, providing the reliable mechanical "snap" that defines a well-maintained air-cooled VW. Whether you are daily driving a Super Beetle or finishing a concours-level restoration on a Ghia, this small but vital part ensures your pedal assembly operates with the safety and precision that the German engineers originally intended.

FITMENT

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

SPECS

• OEM Reference Part Number: 131-721-163
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Material: High-tensile heat-treated spring steel
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for long-term durability
• Application: Brake pedal return (fits stock pedal clusters)
• Sold As: Individually (Each)
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Inspect the Pedal Bushings and Roll Pin

While you have the pedal cluster accessible to replace the return spring, it is the perfect time to inspect your pedal bushings and the clutch/brake shaft. If your pedals have side-to-side "slop" or if the brake pedal feels "crunchy" when you press it, the bronze or plastic bushings inside the cluster are likely worn out. Replacing the spring will help the pedal return, but it won''t fix a binding shaft. We highly recommend cleaning the entire assembly and applying a fresh coat of high-quality lithium grease to the pivot points to ensure smooth operation for years to come.

Tip 2: Use the Right Tools for Installation

Installing a return spring in the cramped quarters of a VW footwell can be frustrating without the right approach. Don''t try to manhandle the spring with your bare fingers. Use a pair of sturdy needle-nose pliers or a dedicated spring puller tool to hook the ends into the correct locations on the pedal and the cluster frame. Make sure the "hooks" of the spring are fully seated in their respective holes; if they aren''t properly centered, the spring can rub against the side of the pedal arm, leading to premature wear or a squeaking sound every time you use the brakes.

Tip 3: Check Your Brake Light Switch Calibration

Once the new spring is installed, verify that your brake lights are functioning correctly. In many late-model VWs, the brake light switch is pressure-activated at the master cylinder, but the pedal must return fully to allow the master cylinder piston to reset. If the pedal doesn''t return all the way because of a weak spring or a misadjusted pushrod, the internal pressure might not drop enough to turn the lights off. After installing this spring, ensure there is about 1mm of play between the brake pedal pushrod and the master cylinder piston to prevent brake drag and ensure your lights operate exactly when they should.