JP Group Handbrake (Emergency Brake) Cable, 1749 mm | VW Beetle 1973–1979, Super Beetle & Karmann Ghia 1973–1974 | OE 133 609 721 (JP-8338-0)
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JP Group Handbrake (Emergency Brake) Cable, 1749 mm | VW Beetle 1973–1979, Super Beetle & Karmann Ghia 1973–1974 | OE 133 609 721 (JP-8338-0)
Short answer: The JP Group JP-8338-0 is the 1749 mm handbrake (emergency brake) cable for the rear drum brakes of the 1973–1979 VW Beetle and Super Beetle and the 1973–1974 Karmann Ghia. It fits left or right. It replaces VW OE 133 609 721 (JP Group ref. 8170300103). Sold each; two are used per car.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1973–1979 | VW Beetle (standard) | Rear, left or right; per EMPI |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle | EMPI lists from 1971; other catalogs from 1973 — confirm |
| 1973–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | Per EMPI |
| 1968–1972 | VW Beetle — does not fit | Uses 113 609 721 (longer cable) |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | JP-8338-0 |
| OE reference | 133 609 721 |
| JP Group reference | 8170300103 |
| UPC | 707924526738 |
| Length | 1749 mm (EMPI description also says 1759 mm) |
| Position | Rear, left or right |
| Sold as | Each (2 per car) |
| Brand | JP Group (Denmark), distributed in the US by EMPI |
| Condition | New |
| Shipping weight | approx. 0.8 lb (estimate) |
| Package size | 12 x 10 x 2 in (estimated) |
What's Included / Not Included
- Included: One handbrake cable.
- Not included: Handbrake lever, cable guide tubes, adjusting nuts or brake shoes.
Why It Matters
A stretched, frayed or seized handbrake cable means the car won't hold on a hill, which is a safety problem and a common inspection failure. Cables that rust inside their sheaths also stick, so the rear brakes drag and overheat after you release the lever. Because the 1973-on cable is a specific length, an earlier cable won't adjust correctly. Replace both sides together so they pull evenly.
Installation Notes
- Release the handbrake and back off the adjusting nuts at the lever under the boot.
- Pull the old cable out of the tube from the rear after unhooking it from the brake shoe lever.
- Lightly grease the new cable and feed it in from the rear.
- Adjust both cables evenly at the lever so the brake holds within a few clicks.
- Check the rear wheels spin freely with the lever released.
- We do not publish torque values here; use the factory workshop manual for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the JP-8338-0 fit my 1975 Beetle?
Yes. EMPI lists the 1973–1979 Beetle.
Does it fit my 1972 Super Beetle?
EMPI lists the Super Beetle from 1971, but other catalogs start at 1973. Measure your old cable to confirm.
Left or right?
Either side.
Is this the same as VW 133 609 721?
Yes. JP Group lists 133 609 721 as the OE reference.
Is it 1749 mm or 1759 mm?
EMPI's title says 1749 mm and its description says 1759 mm. Mid America lists 133 609 721 at 1749 mm.
How many do I need?
Two, one per rear wheel. Sold each.
Is it new?
Yes, it is a new JP Group part.
Explore Related Categories
Brakes & Components · VW Beetle Parts · VW Super Beetle Parts
⚠ WARNING (California Proposition 65): This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov. Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
