Rear Brake Hose, IRS, Beetle 69-79, Ghia 69-74, Thing 73-74

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and performance of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, nothing is more critical than the integrity of your hydraulic system. Over decades of service, original rubber brake lines undergo a process of internal degradation that many owners overlook. While the exterior of the hose might look serviceable, the inner lining often swells shut, acting like a one-way check valve. This creates a frustrating scenario where your foot provides enough pressure to force fluid to the wheel cylinders, but the return springs lack the strength to push that fluid back through the constricted hose. The result is "dragging" brakes, overheated drums, and premature shoe wear that can leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Our IAP Rear Brake Hose is specifically engineered for Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) models, providing the perfect 235mm (9-1/4 inch) span required for proper suspension travel. Constructed from high-pressure reinforced rubber, these hoses meet or exceed original equipment standards to ensure a firm, responsive pedal feel. Featuring a precision-machined male fitting on one end and a female fitting on the other, these lines are a direct-fit replacement for the 113-611-775E part number. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration or simply performing routine maintenance on your daily driver, replacing these aged lines is the most cost-effective way to restore the braking confidence your VW had when it first rolled off the assembly line.

FITMENT

This rear brake hose is designed specifically for Volkswagen models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Please verify your suspension type before ordering, as swing-axle models require a different length. This hose fits the following applications:

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 (IRS Models Only)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the IAP Rear Brake Hose:

• OEM Part Number: 113-611-775E
• Overall Length: 235mm (Approximately 9.25 Inches)
• Fitting A: M10x1.0 Thread (Male)
• Fitting B: M10x1.0 Thread (Female)
• Material: High-density EPDM reinforced rubber
• Application Location: Rear Left or Rear Right (Sold Individually)
• Compatibility: Compatible with DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 brake fluids
• Pressure Rating: Engineered to withstand extreme hydraulic spikes under heavy braking

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The "Invisible Clog" Diagnostic

If you suspect your brakes are sticking, don''t immediately blame the wheel cylinders or the master cylinder. A classic air-cooled VW trick is to jack up the car when the brakes are dragging and try to spin the wheel. If it''s locked, briefly crack the bleeder valve on that wheel. If the wheel suddenly spins freely and a small squirt of fluid comes out, your rubber hose has collapsed internally. It''s acting as a dam, holding pressure against the shoes even when your foot is off the pedal. If you find one hose is bad, always replace them in pairs to ensure even braking pressure across the axle.

Tip 2: Preventing Hose Twist During Installation

One of the most common mistakes during installation is "twisting" the hose as you tighten the hard line. A twisted hose creates a weak point in the rubber and can cause the line to rub against the suspension components or the axle during travel. Always thread the male end into the chassis or wheel cylinder first, then bring the hard line to the female end. Use a proper 11mm flare nut wrench on the hard line fitting while holding the hose steady with a standard wrench on its integrated hex-nut shoulder. This ensures the hose hangs naturally without any rotational stress.

Tip 3: Inspect Your Hard Lines and Clips

While you have the system open to replace the rubber hoses, take a close look at the steel hard lines and the horseshoe-shaped retaining clips. Over time, these clips can lose their tension or rust away, allowing the hose to vibrate and eventually fail. If your hard line fittings are rounded off or heavily corroded, it''s the perfect time to replace them as well. Always use a fresh supply of high-quality brake fluid and perform a full system bleed starting from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (Rear Right) to ensure no air bubbles are trapped in your new lines.