EMPI Rear Wheel Cylinder | VW Beetle 1968-1979 & Type 181 Thing 1973-1974 | Rear Drum Brake (98-6209-B)

EMPI Rear Wheel Cylinder — Rear Drum Brake Service for VW Beetle & Type 181 Thing (98-6209-B)

Rebuild your rear drum brakes with confidence using the EMPI Rear Wheel Cylinder — a direct-fit replacement engineered for late-model 1968–1979 VW Beetles (excluding Super Beetle) and the 1973–1974 Type 181 Thing. When your old cylinders start weeping fluid past the cup seals, you lose pedal feel, contaminate your brake shoes, and risk uneven braking. This precision-machined replacement restores hydraulic pressure to factory spec so your brake shoes apply evenly, every stop.

This is the same proven aftermarket cylinder trusted by VW shops nationwide, sold individually so you can replace one side or both as needed.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1968–1979 — standard Beetle only; does not fit Super Beetle
• VW Type 181 “Thing”: 1973–1974

Note: Super Beetle (1971+) uses a different rear cylinder. 1958–1967 Beetles use the earlier rear cylinder — message us for the correct part.

Key Features & Benefits

• Direct OE Replacement: Bolts in using the original mounting holes and brake line fittings — no modifications, no surprises.
• Precision Machined Bore: Honed to factory tolerances for a smooth piston stroke and consistent pedal feel without sticking or chatter.
• Modern Cup Seals: Updated rubber compound resists DOT 3, DOT 4, and silicone DOT 5 fluids — better leak resistance than original 1970s seals.
• Includes Dust Boots & Bleeder: Complete cylinder assembly arrives ready to install — bleeder screw and protective dust boots included.
• Pairs Perfectly with EMPI Brake Shoes & Hardware Kits: Build a complete rear brake refresh in one order.

Technical Specifications

• Position: Rear (each — order 2 for a full axle)
• Bore Size: Stock VW rear specification
• Mounting: Two-bolt flange to backing plate
• Brake Line Thread: M10 x 1.0 inverted flare (stock VW)
• EMPI Part Number: 98-6209-B
• OEM / Cross-Reference: 113-611-053BC, 113-611-053BCH
• UPC: 707924381702
• Sold As: Each

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this fit a Super Beetle? No. This cylinder fits the standard 1968–1979 Beetle only; the Super Beetle (1971+) uses a different rear cylinder.
• Is it sold as a pair? It is sold individually (each). Order two for a full axle — Washburn's recommends replacing rear cylinders in pairs for balanced braking.

Installation

• Always replace cylinders in pairs for balanced braking, even if only one is leaking.
• Bleed both rear cylinders after installation; gravity-bleed first, then pedal-bleed.
• Inspect brake shoes — if contaminated with fluid, replace them. We carry matching EMPI brake shoes.
• Use fresh DOT 4 brake fluid; never reuse old fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.

Explore Related Categories

Explore more from Brakes, VW Beetle, and VW Thing.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.