Brake Pedal Stop, Beetle 50-79 Ghia 58-74, Type 3 64-73

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and drivability of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the details within the pedal cluster are often overlooked until something feels wrong. The brake pedal stop is a critical component that dictates the resting position of your brake pedal arm. Without a properly functioning stop, your pedal can sit too far back, leading to an uneven pedal height relative to the clutch, or worse, putting unnecessary tension on the master cylinder pushrod. This EMPI replacement brake pedal stop is engineered to factory specifications, ensuring that your vintage VW maintains the ergonomic feel it had when it first rolled off the assembly line. Whether you are performing a full pan-off restoration or simply cleaning up a sloppy pedal assembly, this heavy-duty stamped steel stop is the missing link to a firm and consistent braking interface.

Precision is key in the VW braking system, and this stop plate provides the physical limit needed to prevent the pedal from returning too far toward the driver. Over decades of use, the original factory stops often become bent, heavily rusted, or lost entirely during floor pan replacements. Installing a fresh 113-721-231E stop allows you to fine-tune the "at-rest" position of your brake pedal, which is essential for ensuring the master cylinder piston fully retracts and opens the compensation port. At Appletree Auto, we know that a high-quality restoration is built on these small, vital hardware pieces. This stop is designed for a direct bolt-on fit, providing the durability and reliability you expect from a master-level air-cooled build.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1950 - 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 - 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1958 - 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Fastback, Squareback): 1964 - 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 - 1974

SPECS

• OEM Part Number: 113-721-231E
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Material: Heavy-gauge stamped steel for maximum rigidity
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant plating for long-term durability in the footwell
• Installation Style: Single-bolt mounting with adjustable slot
• Weight: 0.1 lbs
• Function: Limits the return travel of the brake pedal arm

PRO TIPS

1. Aligning the Pedal Heights

One of the hallmarks of a professional VW restoration is having the brake and clutch pedals perfectly aligned when at rest. This brake pedal stop features a slotted mounting hole that allows you to slide the plate forward or backward. Before tightening the mounting bolt, adjust the stop so the brake pedal pad sits flush with the clutch pedal pad. This doesn''t just look better; it makes the transition from gas to brake much smoother and safer during emergency maneuvers.

2. Ensure Master Cylinder Free Play

While the stop sets the pedal height, you must ensure it isn''t set so far forward that it pre-loads the master cylinder. Always check that there is approximately 1mm to 2mm of "free play" at the master cylinder pushrod before it begins to engage the piston. If the stop is adjusted too far back, the pedal may hold the master cylinder slightly engaged, which can cause the brakes to drag or "lock up" as the fluid heats up and has no way to return to the reservoir.

3. Inspect the Pedal Cluster Base

Since you are already working in the pedal area, take a moment to inspect the floor plate where this stop bolts down. If your floor pans are thin or rusted, the stop won''t sit securely, leading to a "mushy" feeling when the pedal returns. We highly recommend using a fresh wave washer and a dab of blue thread locker on the mounting bolt to ensure that vibrations from the road don''t loosen the stop over time, which could lead to an inconsistent pedal height during a drive.