Uni-Ball Clips, 1

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled VW through the punishing dunes or over harsh desert terrain, the last thing you want to worry about is a component failure in your suspension system. These Pro-werks Uni-Ball Clips are the unsung heroes of high-performance fabrication, specifically designed to provide a secure and reliable seat for 1-inch spherical bearings. Often overlooked until a failure occurs, a high-quality snap ring like the FAB-5005 ensures that your uni-ball stays exactly where it belongs within the cup, even under extreme lateral loads and high-frequency vibrations that characterize off-road racing. Whether you are building a custom long-travel front end for a Sand Rail or reinforcing the trailing arms on a rugged Baja Bug, these clips offer the precision and tension required to maintain structural integrity when the trail gets rough.

Precision-engineered by Pro-werks, a name synonymous with professional-grade fabrication hardware, these clips are manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure a perfect fit every time. The 1.066-inch diameter is specifically calibrated to snap into standard 1-inch uni-ball cups with a satisfying and secure lock, while the .046-inch thickness provides the necessary rigidity without being unnecessarily bulky. Sold as a pair, these clips are an essential part of any fabricator''s kit, providing the peace of mind that comes with using race-proven components. Don''t risk your expensive suspension build on generic hardware store snap rings that may lack the spring tension or metallurgical properties required for off-road abuse; stick with the industry standard for your air-cooled project and ensure your uni-balls stay seated through every jump and bump.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: Custom Baja Bug conversions with upgraded suspension.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: Off-road builds and custom heavy-duty suspension setups.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: Performance off-road builds.
• Custom Sand Rails: All frames utilizing 1-inch spherical bearings in A-arms or trailing arms.
• Dune Buggies: Manx-style and tube-chassis buggies with custom fabrication.
• Off-Road Race Cars: Compatible with Class 1, Class 5-1600, Class 9, and Class 11 builds.
• General Fabrication: Any 1-inch Uni-Ball cup requiring a 1.066-inch snap ring.

SPECS

• Brand: Pro-werks
• Manufacturer Part Number: FAB-5005
• Inside Diameter Compatibility: 1-Inch Uni-Ball / Spherical Bearing
• Clip Outside Diameter: 1.066 Inches
• Material Thickness: .046 Inches
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Pieces)
• Material: High-Tension Spring Steel
• Application: Internal Snap Ring for Bearing Retention

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Tooling is Non-Negotiable

Always use a high-quality set of internal snap ring pliers when installing the FAB-5005 clips. Attempting to "walk" these into the groove with a flathead screwdriver is a recipe for disaster, as it can over-stress the spring steel or scratch the bearing bore. When you compress the clip, only close it just enough to clear the housing; over-compressing the clip can lead to "permanent set," where the clip loses its tension and won''t seat firmly in the groove, potentially leading to a bearing failure mid-ride.

2. Orientation and Seating Verification

Pay close attention to the edges of the snap ring. One side is typically "sharper" than the other due to the stamping process. For maximum retention, install the clip with the sharp edge facing away from the bearing. Once installed, use a small pick or screwdriver to rotate the clip within its groove. If it doesn''t rotate relatively freely while staying firmly seated, there may be debris or a burr in the groove preventing it from fully locking home. If the clip isn''t seated 100% around its circumference, it will eventually work its way out under load.

3. Heat Management During Fabrication

If you are welding your uni-ball cups into your suspension arms, never install the bearing or the Pro-werks clips until the metal has completely cooled to room temperature. The high heat from welding can ruin the heat treatment of the spring steel clips, causing them to become brittle or lose their "spring" memory. Furthermore, ensure the groove is perfectly clean of any welding BBs or slag. A clean, cool, and debris-free environment is the only way to ensure these clips do their job of keeping your suspension together during high-impact landings.