Emergency Brake Lever, Right Side, Beetle 58-79, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and reliability of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the emergency brake system is a critical mechanical link that cannot be overlooked. This right-side emergency brake lever is a precision-engineered replacement for the original factory component, designed to restore the mechanical advantage needed to lock your rear brake shoes firmly against the drums. Over decades of use, original levers often suffer from severe surface rust, pitting, or structural thinning due to moisture trapped within the brake drum assembly. A worn or bent lever can lead to uneven parking brake engagement, "spongy" handle feel, or a complete failure to hold the vehicle on an incline. By installing this high-quality EMPI replacement, you are ensuring that the physical connection between your e-brake cable and the primary brake shoe is robust, reliable, and operating at factory-spec efficiency.

This emergency brake lever is manufactured to the exacting dimensions of the original 113-609-614A part number, making it a "drop-in" solution for your restoration or maintenance project. It is specifically contoured for the right (passenger) side of the vehicle, featuring the correct offset and pivot point geometry required for Type 1 drum brake configurations. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration on a 1958 Beetle or simply refreshing the rear end of a late-model Super Beetle, replacing these levers during a brake job is a proactive way to prevent future mechanical binding. Don''t risk your car rolling away because of a thin, rusted-out lever; upgrade to a fresh, stamped-steel component that is built to withstand the high-tension demands of the VW parking brake system.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-609-614A
• Orientation: Right Side (Passenger Side)
• Material: Heavy-gauge stamped carbon steel
• Finish: Protective coating to resist corrosion and brake fluid exposure
• Application: Rear drum brake internal assembly
• Mounting: Attaches to the rear brake shoe via pivot pin and wave washer/clip
• Cable Interface: Features the correct "hook" slot for standard VW e-brake cable ends
• Quantity: Sold Each

PRO TIPS

1. Lubricate the Pivot Point

When installing the lever onto the brake shoe, always apply a small amount of high-temperature, waterproof brake grease to the pivot pin. Metal-on-metal contact in the harsh environment of a brake drum can lead to "freezing" or seizing over time, especially if the car sits in humid conditions. A properly lubricated pivot ensures that the lever returns to its neutral position when the handle is released, preventing the rear shoes from dragging and overheating your drums.

2. Replace Your Hardware and Clips

A common mistake during installation is reusing old, weakened wave washers or "horseshoe" clips that secure the lever to the shoe. If these clips are loose or lose their tension, the lever can rattle or, in extreme cases, become disconnected from the shoe entirely. We highly recommend purchasing a fresh brake hardware kit or at least new retaining clips when you install this lever to ensure the assembly remains tight and silent during operation.

3. Adjust the Cable Slack First

Before you attempt to hook the e-brake cable into the new lever, go inside the cabin and back off the 10mm adjusting nuts at the base of the emergency brake handle. This creates the necessary slack to easily seat the cable end into the lever''s hook without fighting the spring tension. Once the drums are back on and the star adjusters are set, you can then tighten the nuts at the handle to achieve the perfect 3-to-5 click engagement. This prevents putting unnecessary stress on the lever and cable during the assembly process.