Rear Brake Rebuild Kit, Beetle 68-79 IRS suspension

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and reliability of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, there is no system more critical than your brakes. Over decades of use, rear brake drums can become thin, out-of-round, or heat-checked, while internal components like wheel cylinders often develop slow leaks that contaminate your brake shoes with hydraulic fluid. This EMPI Rear Brake Rebuild Kit for 1968-1979 Beetles with IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) provides a comprehensive, all-in-one solution to restore factory-level stopping performance. By replacing every major wear item in the rear assemblyfrom the heavy-duty drums themselves to the smallest tension springsyou eliminate the guesswork and ensure that your Bug stops straight and true every single time you hit the pedal. It is the professional way to handle a brake job, ensuring that new shoes aren''t ruined by old, pitted drums.

This kit is specifically engineered for the 4-lug (4x130mm) bolt pattern found on later model Type 1 vehicles. It features high-quality cast iron drums designed for maximum heat dissipation and long-term durability, paired with premium friction-material shoes that offer a consistent bite without the annoying squeal of inferior brands. Including new wheel cylinders and a complete hardware spring kit means you won''t have to struggle with rusty, fatigued springs that can cause shoe drag or uneven wear. Whether you are performing a ground-up restoration on a show-quality Super Beetle or simply maintaining your daily driver, this kit offers the peace of mind that comes from a completely refreshed rear braking system, engineered to meet or exceed original equipment standards for the IRS chassis.

FITMENT

• 1968-1977 VW Beetle (Standard) - Models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS).
• 1971-1979 VW Super Beetle - All models (Sedan and Convertible).
• 1968-1974 VW Karmann Ghia - Models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS).
• Custom Applications - Fits Dune Buggies and Sand Rails utilizing 1968-later IRS rear trailing arms and 4-lug hubs.

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Drum Bolt Pattern: 4 on 130mm
• Suspension Compatibility: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)
• Brake Drum Material: High-Grade Cast Iron
• Brake Shoe Dimensions: 230mm Diameter x 40mm Width
• Wheel Cylinder Bore: 17.46mm (Standard Type 1 Rear)
• Included Hardware: Complete Spring Kit, Retainers, and Pins
• Adjustment Components: 4 Steel Adjusting Screws and 4 Hardened Adjusting Stars
• Quantity: Complete kit for both driver and passenger rear sides

PRO TIPS

1. Clean the Shipping Oil Thoroughly

New brake drums are shipped with a thin coating of cosmoline or light machine oil to prevent rust while they are sitting in the warehouse. Before you slide these drums onto your rear hubs, you must use a high-quality aerosol brake cleaner to strip every trace of that oil from the internal braking surface. If you fail to do this, the oil will immediately soak into your brand-new brake shoes, ruining their friction properties and causing "brake fade" or dangerous pulling. Spray the inside of the drum until the cleaner runs clear and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth before assembly.

2. Lubricate Your Adjusting Stars

One of the most common mistakes during a rear brake rebuild is installing the adjusting stars and screws "dry." To ensure your brakes remain easy to adjust for years to come, apply a very light film of high-temperature nickel or copper anti-seize to the threads of the four adjusting screws. Be extremely careful not to get any of this lubricant on the brake shoes or the drum surface. Properly lubricated adjusters allow you to "click" the brakes into the perfect position through the backing plate holes without the components seizing up due to road salt or moisture.

3. The "Drag and Back-Off" Technique

After installing the kit, you need to adjust the shoes so they are perfectly centered. With the wheel off the ground, turn the adjusting stars until the brake shoes are tight enough against the drum that you can no longer turn the wheel by hand. Once it is locked, back the adjuster off exactly 3 to 4 clicks until the wheel spins freely with just a very slight "whisper" of contact sound between the shoe and the drum. Do this for both the front and rear shoes on both sides of the car. This ensures your brake pedal is firm and has minimal travel before the brakes engage, providing the best possible response time in an emergency stopping situation.