My brake cable is the same way and always has been, it's part of the
design.  Why replace the metal outlet?  It is far superior to the
plastic, which can crack with age. Simply a cost saving gimmick for VW.

--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle

'84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
'65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring sloooowly)

Assisting on Restoration (and spending OPM):
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)

Stripped and gone but their parts live on:
'68 MGB, '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT