Rod Bearing, .040 Under, forType 1 VW

Product Overview: Professional Grade EMPI Rod Bearings

When you are deep into a Type 1 engine teardown and discover that your crankshaft journals have seen better days, you don''t necessarily have to scrap that vintage forged steel. These EMPI .040 under rod bearings are the professional engine builder''s solution for restoring a crankshaft that has been ground down to its final service limit. In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, maintaining the structural integrity of your bottom end is paramount, and these bearings provide the exact tolerances required to maintain proper oil pressure and rotational harmony. Whether you are resurrecting a 1600cc dual-port for a daily driver or building a rugged woods buggy, these bearings offer the metallurgical consistency needed to withstand the high operating temperatures inherent to air-cooled engines.

Precision is everything when it comes to the connection between your pistons and your power source. These EMPI rod bearings are manufactured with a high-strength steel backing and a specialized friction-reducing alloy lining that is designed to "embed" tiny particles of debris, protecting the crankshaft journal from scoring. At .040 inches (1.00mm) undersize, these are specifically designed for cranks that have undergone significant machining to remove deep grooves or heat damage. Don''t settle for inferior components when your engine''s longevity is on the line; Appletree Automotive ensures you get the exact specifications required for a "zero-hour" rebuild that feels as tight and responsive as the day it left the factory in Wolfsburg.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

These .040 undersize rod bearings are designed for the standard Type 1 style connecting rod found in the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard & Super): 19541979 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 19561974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 19541971 (Up to 1600cc upright engines)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 19731974
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback (Type 3): 19621973
• Custom Applications: Any sand rail, dune buggy, or trike utilizing a VW Type 1 based engine case and crankshaft.

Technical Specifications

• Undersize Dimension: .040" (1.00mm) Designed for crankshafts ground .040 under standard.
• Material Composition: High-grade steel backing with a multi-layer babbitt/copper-lead alloy lining for superior heat dissipation.
• Quantity: Complete set of 8 bearing halves (enough for 4 connecting rods).
• Part Number Reference: 113-105-725BR / 113105725BR.
• Application: Type 1, 2, and 3 Air-cooled VW engines.
• Compatibility: Fits standard VW connecting rods with original tang alignments.

Pro Specialist Tips for a Successful Rebuild

Tip 1: Verify Your Machinist''s Work with Plastigage

Even if your machinist tells you the crank is ground exactly to .040 under, you must verify the oil clearance during assembly. Use green Plastigage on the rod journals to ensure you have between .001" and .003" of clearance. If it is too tight, you risk "spinning" a bearing upon the first heat cycle; if it is too loose, your oil pressure will drop significantly when the engine reaches operating temperature. Never skip the verification step on a .040 under build, as tolerances become much more critical at this service limit.

Tip 2: Surgical Cleanliness is Mandatory

When installing bearings this far "under," there is very little room for error. A single speck of lint or a grain of sand behind the bearing shell can create a "high spot" that will burn through the bearing material in minutes. Clean the rod bores and the crankshaft journals with brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Ensure the "tangs" on the bearings are perfectly seated in the notches of the rod and the rod cap. Apply a high-quality assembly lubenot just motor oilto the bearing face to provide initial lubrication before the oil pump primes the system.

Tip 3: Respect the Rod Cap Orientation

VW connecting rods are "mated" pairs. The cap and the rod were machined together as a single unit. When installing these EMPI bearings, ensure that the numbers stamped on the side of the rod and the cap face the same direction and match each other. If you flip a cap or mix it with a different rod, the bore will not be perfectly round, which will pinch the .040 bearing and cause immediate engine failure. Always torque your rod nuts to the factory specification (usually 24-25 ft-lbs for stock 8mm bolts) in a smooth, single motion to ensure even crush on the bearing shells.