Brake Pedal Return Spring, for Type 2 Bus 55-67, Each

OVERVIEW

Don''t let a weak, stretched, or broken brake pedal return spring compromise the safety and driving dynamics of your classic Split Window Bus. This essential component is the primary mechanism responsible for pulling the brake pedal back to its neutral resting position after every engagement. Over decades of service, original springs often lose their tension due to metal fatigue or succumb to the relentless creep of surface rust and corrosion, resulting in a "lazy" or "dragging" pedal feel. By installing this high-tensile replacement, you restore the crisp, mechanical snap that your VW''s braking system had when it first rolled off the assembly line, ensuring that the pedal is always upright and ready for immediate action.

Engineered to meet the exact specifications of the original Volkswagen design, this EMPI brake pedal return spring is manufactured from heavy-duty spring steel to ensure long-lasting durability and consistent performance. It is a critical part of any comprehensive pedal cluster restoration for the 1955 through 1967 Type 2 Transporter. Whether you are performing a concourse-level restoration on a 21-Window Deluxe or simply keeping a rugged Single Cab pickup on the road, this spring provides the reliability you need. Replacing a tired spring is a small investment that yields a significant improvement in tactile feedback, preventing the brake lights from staying on unnecessarily and ensuring the master cylinder pushrod fully retracts after every stop.

FITMENT

This brake pedal return spring is designed for the following Volkswagen Type 2 Bus models:

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (Split Window): 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Compatible Body Styles: Kombi, Microbus, Deluxe (11-Window, 13-Window, 15-Window, 21-Window, 23-Window), Panel Van, Single Cab Pickup, and Double Cab (Crew Cab) Pickup.

SPECS

• OEM Reference Number: 211-721-163A
• Material: High-tensile carbon spring steel for maximum fatigue resistance.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant zinc plating to protect against moisture and road grime.
• Application: Brake pedal assembly (returns pedal to the "up" position).
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each).
• Installation Location: Attaches between the brake pedal arm and the chassis/pedal bracket assembly.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Clean and Lubricate the Pedal Pivot Pin

Whenever you are replacing the brake pedal return spring, it is the absolute best time to service the entire pedal cluster. Remove the pedal pivot pin and clean off any old, solidified grease or road grit that has accumulated over the years. Inspect the bronze or plastic bushings for excessive wear or "ovaling." Before reassembling the cluster with your new spring, apply a generous coating of high-quality waterproof lithium grease or moly-grease to the pivot pin. This reduces friction, prevents future binding, and ensures that the new spring doesn''t have to fight against mechanical resistance to pull the pedal back to its home position.

Tip 2: Verify Master Cylinder Pushrod Clearance

After installing the new return spring, you must verify that the brake pedal is returning fully against the stop and that there is proper "free play" at the master cylinder pushrod. If the pushrod is adjusted too tightly, it can prevent the master cylinder from fully venting, which leads to the brakes "locking up" as the fluid heats up and expands. You should typically have about 1mm of clearance between the pushrod and the master cylinder piston when the pedal is at rest. The new spring will ensure the pedal reaches the stop, but the mechanical adjustment of the pushrod is what guarantees a safe and functional braking system.

Tip 3: Inspect the Entire Pedal Assembly for Stress Cracks

While you are working under the floorboards of your 1955-1967 Bus, take a moment to closely inspect the pedal bracket and the pedal arms themselves for stress cracks or signs of metal fatigue. It is common for the area around the pedal stop or the spring attachment points to develop small cracks after sixty years of use. Use a bright flashlight and a wire brush to clean the area for a clear view. If you find any damage, it is far safer to repair or replace the bracket now while the assembly is already apart rather than waiting for a mechanical failure to occur during an emergency braking maneuver.