VW Brake Pedal Return Spring — Sold Each (98-7190-B)

A brake pedal that comes back lazily, sits low, or leaves the brake light glowing after you lift off is usually one tired spring — not a hydraulic fault. This is the factory-style brake pedal return spring, EMPI part 98-7190-B, cross-referenced to VW 131-721-163. It is a two-dollar part that fixes a symptom people chase through the entire brake system.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle — CONFIRMED: 1967–1979
• VW Karmann Ghia — CONFIRMED: 1967–1974
• VW Type 3 — CONFIRMED: 1965–1973
• VW Thing (Type 181) — CONFIRMED: 1973–1974
• NOT CONFIRMED: Bus / Transporter — the Bus uses a different pedal cluster. Check before ordering.

Key Features & Benefits

• Correct factory-style spring for the brake pedal in the air-cooled pedal cluster.
• Restores pedal return: pulls the pedal fully back off the master cylinder pushrod so the brakes release cleanly and the brake light switch opens.
• Direct cross-reference: interchanges with VW part 131-721-163.
• Spring only: this listing is the return spring by itself, not a pedal assembly.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 98-7190-B
• OEM Cross-Reference: 131-721-163
• Position: Brake pedal, air-cooled pedal cluster
• Sold As: Each

Frequently Asked Questions

• What part number is this? EMPI 98-7190-B. It cross-references to VW part 131-721-163.
• Does this fit a 1971 VW Beetle? Yes — it is confirmed for Beetle 1967–1979, Karmann Ghia 1967–1974, Type 3 1965–1973 and Thing 1973–1974.
• Is this a complete pedal assembly? No. This is the brake pedal return spring only, sold individually. The pedal, hinge pin, roller and lever arm are separate parts.
• How many do I need? One, for the brake pedal.
• What goes wrong when this spring is worn? The pedal returns slowly or sits low, the brakes can drag, and the brake light may stay on after you lift off the pedal.
• Does it fit a Bus? Not confirmed — the Bus uses a different pedal cluster. Send us your chassis number before ordering.

Prop 65 Warning

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