VW Beetle Brake Push Bar | 1958–1979 Rear Drum | Refurbished Factory German Spreader Bar (#R73)
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VW Beetle Brake Push Bar — Rear Drum Spreader Bar, Refurbished Factory German
A refurbished factory German VW brake push bar — the spreader bar inside each rear drum brake assembly that transmits force from the wheel cylinder to the brake shoes. Sold as left or right (specify side when ordering). An original German part, not a reproduction.
Inside every VW drum brake assembly, a small steel bar — the brake push bar or spreader bar — connects the wheel cylinder to the upper ends of the two brake shoes. When you press the pedal and the wheel cylinder extends, the push bar spreads the shoes outward against the drum, generating braking force. A bent, worn, or missing push bar means the shoes don't spread properly, and brake performance suffers. Push bars wear at the contact points where they ride against the wheel cylinder pistons and the brake shoes, so replacement during a brake rebuild is cheap insurance.
Vehicle Fitment
- VW Beetle: 1958–1979 (rear drum brakes)
- Other VW Applications: Same rear drum brake design — verify with us before ordering for non-Beetle applications
Technical Specifications
- Function: Brake shoe spreader bar inside the rear drum brake
- Condition: Refurbished original factory German VW
- Finish: Powder coated
- Sold As: Left or right (specify when ordering)
- Part Number: #R73
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need left and right, or are they the same? The push bars are side-specific. Specify which side you need when ordering, or order both for a full rear brake rebuild.
- How do I know if mine is worn? Look at the contact points where the bar meets the wheel cylinder pistons. If you see rounding, grooves, or visible wear at either end, replace it. Also check for bend or twist — a deformed push bar causes uneven shoe wear and pulling under braking.
- Is this an original German part or a reproduction? Original factory German VW, inspected and refurbished, and powder coated for corrosion resistance.
- Will it work with my disc brake conversion? No. Disc brake conversions don't use brake push bars — the caliper handles pad actuation directly. This part is for stock or factory-style rear drum brakes only.
- Does it come with the wheel cylinder, shoes, or springs? No. This is the push bar only. Full brake rebuild kits with shoes, springs, hardware, and wheel cylinders are separate items.