Throw Out Shaft Spring, Fits Beetle, Ghia & Super 74-79

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the precise clutch feel of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, even the smallest components play a monumental role in the overall driving experience. The EMPI Throw Out Shaft Spring is a critical restoration piece designed specifically for late-model Type 1 Volkswagens. Often overlooked during a transmission rebuild or clutch replacement, this high-tension return spring is responsible for ensuring the clutch operating lever returns to its proper resting position. Without a healthy spring, your throw-out bearing may remain in light contact with the pressure plate fingers even when your foot is off the pedal. This constant friction generates excessive heat, leading to premature bearing failure, accelerated wear on the pressure plate, and a "mushy" pedal feel that can make gear transitions feel imprecise and sluggish.

Crafted to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this spring (OEM Part Number 113-141-723D) is the definitive solution for VW owners dealing with a clutch pedal that doesn''t fully return or a drivetrain that exhibits unusual rattling at idle. Because late-model 1974-1979 Beetles and Super Beetles utilized a specific clutch linkage geometry, using the correct high-strength spring steel is vital for long-term reliability. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that a "rattled-out" or rusted spring can compromise your entire shifting assembly. By replacing your fatigued or missing spring with this EMPI unit, you are protecting your investment in your clutch kit and ensuring that your VW''s transmission operates with the mechanical crispness it had when it first rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1974 (Late production models)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1974-1975

SPECS

• Product Name: Throw Out Shaft Spring
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 98-1423-0
• OEM Reference: 113-141-723D
• Material: Heavy-duty high-carbon spring steel
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for longevity in harsh under-chassis environments
• Placement: External clutch operating arm / Throw-out shaft assembly
• Function: Pulls the clutch arm back to the "home" position to prevent bearing drag

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Inspect the Operating Arm Notch. Before installing your new EMPI spring, take a moment to inspect the small hole or notch on the clutch operating arm where the spring hooks in. Over decades of use, these metal points can become elongated or worn thin. If the hole is oval-shaped, the spring may not sit at the correct angle, reducing its effective tension. If you see significant wear, consider replacing the operating arm along with the spring to ensure the geometry is perfect and the tension is applied exactly where the engineers intended.

Pro Tip 2: Prevent Squeaks with Proper Lubrication. Metal-on-metal contact between the spring hooks and the transmission case or arm can lead to an annoying "chirp" every time you depress the clutch. When installing this spring, apply a very small dab of high-temp wheel bearing grease or white lithium grease to the contact points at both ends of the spring. This doesn''t just stop the noise; it significantly reduces the friction-wear on the hooks themselves, ensuring the spring lasts for another several decades without snapping due to localized thinning.

Pro Tip 3: Verify Your Free-Play. Once the new spring is installed, it is the perfect time to re-adjust your clutch cable free-play. A strong return spring can sometimes mask a cable that is adjusted too tight. You should generally have about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of "slop" or free-play at the top of the pedal before you feel the throw-out bearing engage. The spring''s job is to pull the arm back into that free-play zone; if the cable is too tight, the spring won''t be able to do its job, and you will still end up burning out your throw-out bearing despite having a brand-new spring.