Cam Bearings, Double Thrust, For Type 1 VW Engines

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, every component must be scrutinized for its ability to handle increased stress, and the camshaft assembly is no exception. Standard cam bearings are often the weak link in a performance build because they only utilize a single thrust flange, which is typically sufficient for stock valve springs and mild cam profiles. However, as soon as you introduce heavy-duty valve springs, high-lift camshafts, or straight-cut gears, the axial loads on the camshaft increase exponentially. These EMPI Double Thrust Cam Bearings are engineered to solve this specific problem by providing a thrust surface on both sides of the bearing journal. This design effectively locks the camshaft in place, preventing the "walking" effect that can lead to premature wear on the cam gear, the engine case, and the camshaft lobes themselves.

At Appletree Auto, we know that reliability is just as important as horsepower. These double thrust bearings are manufactured from high-quality steel-backed material with a precision-bonded bearing surface designed to withstand the high-temperature environment of an air-cooled crankcase. By distributing the thrust load across a larger surface area, these bearings significantly reduce the risk of the camshaft digging into the magnesium or aluminum engine case webs. Whether you are building a 1600cc daily driver or a high-revving 2275cc weekend warrior, upgrading to a double thrust bearing set is a cheap insurance policy against catastrophic engine failure. It ensures that your valve timing remains precise and your valvetrain geometry stays consistent throughout the entire RPM range, providing the stability required for long-term engine health.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle: 1961 through 1979 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1961 through 1974
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1961 through 1971
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• VW Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most Type 1 based sand rails, dune buggies, and trikes using 1200-1600cc based cases.

SPECS

• Bearing Type: Double Thrust (Flanged on both sides of the thrust journal)
• Case Bore Size: Standard (Fits stock engine case bores)
• Cam Journal Size: Standard (Fits stock diameter camshafts)
• Material: High-strength steel backing with a premium babbitt/aluminum alloy lining
• Quantity: Complete set of 6 bearing shells (for one complete engine)
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 111-198-541HDBR
• Engine Compatibility: Type 1, 2, and 3 air-cooled Volkswagen engines (40hp to 1600cc+)

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Oil Hole Alignment During Installation

One of the most common mistakes during engine assembly is failing to verify that the oil holes in the cam bearings perfectly align with the oil galleries in the engine case. Even if the bearing shells look identical, you must dry-fit them into the case halves and use a small pick or a light to ensure the passage is completely unobstructed. If the oil hole is partially covered, the camshaft will suffer from oil starvation, leading to immediate galling and total engine failure within the first few minutes of break-in. Always remember to "clock" the bearing correctly before applying any assembly lube.

2. Measure Your Camshaft End Play

Even when using high-quality double thrust bearings, it is absolutely vital to measure your camshaft end play before final assembly. Once the bearings are seated in the case and the camshaft is in place, use a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the thrust flange and the camshaft. You are looking for a specific toleranceusually between .002 inches and .005 inches. If the clearance is too tight, the cam may bind as the engine reaches operating temperature; if it is too loose, the benefits of the double thrust design are minimized. Proper end play ensures that the cam can rotate freely while remaining laterally stable.

3. Use High-Pressure Assembly Lube

During the initial startup of a fresh VW engine, the camshaft and its bearings are under extreme pressure before the oil pump has fully pressurized the system. Do not rely on standard motor oil for the assembly process. Apply a generous amount of high-pressure assembly lube (specifically formulated for flat-tappet cams) to the bearing surfaces. This ensures a protective film exists between the bearing material and the camshaft journal during those critical first few seconds of rotation. This practice, combined with a proper 20-minute break-in procedure at 2,000 to 2,500 RPM, will ensure that your new bearings and camshaft live a long and productive life.