{"product_id":"empi-rear-wheel-cylinder-vw-beetle-1968-1979-thing-1973-1974-98-6209-b","title":"EMPI Rear Wheel Cylinder — Drum Brake Service | VW Beetle 1968–1979 \u0026 Thing (98-6209-B)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEMPI Rear Wheel Cylinder for 1968–1979 VW Beetle \u0026amp; 1973–1974 Type 181 Thing | Part 98-6209-B\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRebuild 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the same proven aftermarket cylinder trusted by VW shops nationwide, sold individually so you can replace one side or both as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose the EMPI Wheel Cylinder?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect OE Replacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolts in using the original mounting holes and brake line fittings — no modifications, no surprises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Machined Bore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honed to factory tolerances for a smooth piston stroke and consistent pedal feel without sticking or chatter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModern Cup Seals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Updated rubber compound resists DOT 3, DOT 4, and silicone DOT 5 fluids — better leak resistance than original 1970s seals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes Dust Boots \u0026amp; Bleeder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete cylinder assembly arrives ready to install — bleeder screw and protective dust boots included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePairs Perfectly with EMPI Brake Shoes \u0026amp; Hardware Kits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Build a complete rear brake refresh in one order.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear (each — order 2 for a full axle)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBore Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stock VW rear specification\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two-bolt flange to backing plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrake Line Thread:\u003c\/strong\u003e M10 x 1.0 inverted flare (stock VW)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEMPI Part Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 98-6209-B\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOEM \/ Cross-Reference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 113-611-053BC, 113-611-053BCH\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUPC:\u003c\/strong\u003e 707924381702\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold As:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1968–1979 VW Beetle (Type 1)\u003c\/strong\u003e — standard Beetle only; \u003cem\u003edoes not fit Super Beetle\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1973–1974 VW Type 181 “Thing”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: Super Beetle (1971+) uses a different rear cylinder. 1958–1967 Beetles use the earlier rear cylinder — message us for the correct part.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Tips from Washburn’s\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAlways replace cylinders \u003cstrong\u003ein pairs\u003c\/strong\u003e for balanced braking, even if only one is leaking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBleed both rear cylinders after installation; gravity-bleed first, then pedal-bleed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInspect brake shoes — if contaminated with fluid, replace them. We carry matching EMPI brake shoes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse fresh DOT 4 brake fluid; never reuse old fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWARNING:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.P65Warnings.ca.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ewww.P65Warnings.ca.gov\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44908760203379,"sku":"98-6209-B","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-rear-wheel-cylinder-vw-beetle-1968-1979-thing-1973-1974-98-6209-b","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}