111-711-145B VW Beetle & Ghia Shifter Lever Tension Spring

VW Shifter Lever Tension Spring – 111-711-145B

The 111-711-145B is the heavy-duty coil spring located at the base of the manual gear shifter assembly. This spring provides the critical upward tension required for the "push-down" reverse lockout safety feature found in vintage Volkswagens. By providing constant upward pressure, it ensures the shifter stays in the upper plane for forward gears and requires intentional downward force to move the lever into the reverse gate.

Over decades of use, these springs can fatigue, snap, or lose their tension, leading to a "floppy" shifter handle that vibrates excessively or, more dangerously, allows the driver to accidentally engage reverse when shifting into second gear. Replacing this spring during a shifter rebuild restores the crisp, mechanical feel of the factory linkage and ensures the safety lockout remains functional.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility This spring is a standard component for manual shifters in the following models:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

VW Super Beetle:

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

VW Type 3:

• 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

VW Thing:

• 1973, 1974

Product Highlights & Features

• High-Tensile Spring Steel: Engineered to maintain specific tension for consistent reverse-lockout operation.

• Direct OE Specification: Fits perfectly over the shifter lever shaft and seats correctly within the shifter base housing.

• Safety Essential: Prevents accidental reverse engagement, protecting your transmission's reverse gear and synchros.

• Easy Installation: Can be replaced easily once the shifter assembly is unbolted from the center tunnel.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-711-145B

• Material: Spring Steel

• Coil Type: Compression Spring

• Application: Manual Shifter Base

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Lubrication: When installing the new spring, apply a liberal amount of heavy-duty grease to the spring and the shifter ball. This prevents "spring creak" and ensures smooth vertical movement.

• Stop Plate Alignment: This spring works in conjunction with the Shifter Stop Plate. If your reverse lockout still feels "notchy" after replacing the spring, you likely need to adjust the position of the stop plate.

• Inspect the Pin: While the shifter is apart, check the small locating pin on the shifter handle. If this pin is sheared, the spring won't be able to keep the shifter in the correct gate.

• The "While You're In There" Rule: Since you have the shifter out to replace the spring, this is the perfect time to install a new Shifter Boot and Shift Rod Bushing.

111711145B