Rear Brake Spring Kit, Fits Beetle 67-79, Ghia 67-79

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the stopping power of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the hardware is just as critical as the brake shoes themselves. This EMPI Rear Brake Spring Kit is an essential upgrade or replacement for any 1967 to 1979 Beetle or Karmann Ghia restoration project. Over decades of use, original brake springs lose their tension due to thousands of heat cycles and exposure to the elements. Weak springs fail to pull the brake shoes away from the drum effectively, leading to "brake drag," excessive heat buildup, and premature wear on your expensive new shoes. By installing this comprehensive kit, you are ensuring that your rear drum assembly operates with the factory-spec "snap" and precision required for safe, reliable daily driving or spirited weekend cruising.

This kit isn''t just about individual springs; it is a complete solution designed to service both the driver and passenger side rear wheels. We often see enthusiasts try to reuse old, rusty pins and fatigued clips, only to have a hold-down pin snap or a spring pop loose inside the drum, causing catastrophic failure. EMPI has curated this kit to include high-tensile return springs and heavy-duty hold-down hardware that meets or exceeds original equipment standards. Whether you are building a show-quality restoration, a rugged dune buggy, or simply keeping your daily driver Super Beetle on the road, starting your brake job with fresh, corrosion-resistant hardware is the only way to guarantee a balanced and quiet braking system that won''t let you down when you hit the pedal.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Application Note: Fits all Type 1 rear drum brake systems utilizing the 4-lug (4x130mm) bolt pattern configurations.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 113-698-537C
• Quantity: Complete set for 2 Wheels (Left and Right Rear)
• Material: High-carbon spring steel for maximum fatigue resistance
• Finish: Zinc-plated/Corrosion-resistant coating for longevity in harsh environments
• Kit Includes: Upper and lower return springs, shoe hold-down pins, hold-down springs, and locking cups
• OEM Cross Reference: 113698537C
• Compatibility: Designed for standard 40mm wide rear brake shoes

PRO TIPS

The "One Side at a Time" Rule

Even for a seasoned VW veteran, the orientation of the rear brake springs can be a bit like a puzzle once everything is covered in brake dust. Never disassemble both the left and right rear brakes at the exact same time. Instead, keep one side fully assembled to use as a visual reference while you install the new EMPI hardware on the other side. This ensures that you get the tension springs in the correct holes and the trailing/leading shoe orientation exactly right. If you do happen to take both apart, remember that the longer portion of the brake shoe lining usually faces the rear of the vehicle.

Invest in a Dedicated Brake Spring Tool

While it is tempting to use a pair of vice grips or needle-nose pliers to stretch these springs into place, doing so is the fastest way to bark your knuckles or, worse, damage the finish on your new springs. A dedicated brake spring tool allows you to leverage the spring over the post with minimal effort and maximum safety. Using pliers often results in "nicking" the metal of the spring, which creates a stress riser that can lead to the spring snapping prematurely under heat. If you are doing a full brake overhaul, having the right tool will save you thirty minutes of frustration per wheel.

Clean and Lubricate the Backing Plate Contact Points

While you have the shoes and springs off, take a moment to inspect the six raised "bosses" or contact points on the backing plate where the metal edges of the brake shoes rest. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or old, hardened grease. Before installing your new EMPI spring kit, apply a very thin film of high-temperature ceramic brake lubricant to these six spots. This allows the shoes to slide smoothly as the springs pull them back. However, be extremely careful not to get any grease on the friction surface of the shoes or the inside of the drum, as this will compromise your stopping power and cause the brakes to "grab" or "chatter."