Rod Bearing, Standard Size, For Type 1 VW, Mahle Clevite

OVERVIEW

When you are tearing down your air-cooled powerplant for a much-needed refresh, the bottom end deserves nothing less than the highest quality components available. These standard-size rod bearings, produced by the world-renowned experts at Mahle in Brazil, represent the gold standard for your Type 1 engine rebuild. Whether you are maintaining a daily driver Beetle or building a performance-oriented weekend cruiser, these bearings provide the essential interface between your connecting rods and the crankshaft. Designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, these bearings offer the precise tolerances and superior oil film retention necessary to protect your crank journals from premature wear. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that the reliability of your Volkswagen starts with the foundation, and these bearings are the exact same high-quality parts that professional engine builders have trusted for decades to keep the flat-four legacy alive on the road.

Selecting the right size is paramount to the longevity of your engine, and these "Standard" size bearings are specifically engineered for crankshafts with original, un-ground 55.00mm journals. Utilizing a robust multi-layer construction, these bearings are built to withstand the unique heat and vibration characteristics inherent to the air-cooled VW design. They feature the necessary oil holes and tangs for a perfect, drop-in fit into your factory or aftermarket connecting rods. By replacing your worn, scored, or pitted bearings with this premium set, you are ensuring that your oil pressure remains consistent and your rotating assembly remains balanced and smooth. Don''t gamble with inferior, off-brand internals when you can install the proven durability of Brazilian Mahle bearings, ensuring that your Volkswagen continues to purr for another hundred thousand miles.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 - 1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 - 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954 - 1971 (With Type 1 style engine)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 - 1974
• Volkswagen Squareback / Fastback / Type 3: 1962 - 1973
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based Type 1 upright engines.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-105-701BR
• Manufacturer: Mahle (Brazil) / Distributed by EMPI
• Journal Size: Standard (55.00mm)
• Quantity: Complete set of 4 bearing pairs (enough for one engine)
• Material: High-grade steel backing with premium bearing alloy lining
• Application: Type 1, 2, and 3 Air-cooled VW engines
• Installation: Direct replacement for factory rod bearings
• Oil Holes: Pre-drilled for proper lubrication flow

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Measure Twice, Order Once. Before ordering standard size bearings, it is absolutely vital that you measure your crankshaft journals with a high-quality micrometer. Even if the crank looks "clean," it may have been turned by a previous owner to .010, .020, or .030 under. If your journal measures significantly less than 55.00mm (approx. 2.165 inches), you will need undersized bearings rather than these standard units. Always use Plastigage during the dry-fit process to verify your oil clearances are within the factory range of .001 to .003 inches for maximum engine life.

Tip 2: Absolute Cleanliness is Mandatory. When installing new rod bearings, the smallest speck of dust or lint can cause a "hot spot" or lead to premature bearing failure. Clean your connecting rods and crankshaft journals with lint-free wipes and a high-quality brake cleaner or solvent. Ensure that the back of the bearing (the steel side) and the rod bore are completely dry and free of oil before snapping the bearing into place. This ensures the bearing "seats" properly and doesn''t spin during operation.

Tip 3: Don''t Skimp on Assembly Lube. While the back of the bearing should be dry, the face of the bearing (where it touches the crank) requires a high-quality engine assembly lubricant. Do not use standard motor oil for this, as it can run off the surfaces before you have a chance to start the engine for the first time. A dedicated assembly lube provides a high-pressure film that protects the bearings during those first few critical seconds of initial startup before the oil pump has fully pressurized the system. Apply a liberal, even coat to the bearing surface and the journal before torquing your rod bolts to the proper factory specification.