Axle Spacer Kit, for Irs

OVERVIEW

Precision is everything when it comes to the drivetrain of your air-cooled Volkswagen, and the EMPI Axle Spacer Kit for IRS is an absolute necessity for anyone rebuilding their rear suspension or replacing rear wheel bearings. In an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) setup, the relationship between the inner and outer bearings is maintained by a specific sequence of spacers. These components are designed to handle the massive clamping force generated when you torque your axle nuts to factory specifications. Without a complete and non-deformed set of spacers, your bearings will lack the proper preload, leading to premature failure, excessive heat, and potentially dangerous wheel hub instability. This comprehensive kit from EMPI provides every internal spacer needed for both the left and right trailing arms, ensuring your rear end is as solid as the day it left the factory.

Whether you are building a high-performance street Beetle, a rugged off-road dune buggy, or restoring a classic Karmann Ghia, reusing old, pitted, or compressed spacers is a risk you shouldn''t take. Over decades of service, original spacers can become notched or slightly crushed, which throws off the alignment of the bearing races. The AC520101 kit features precision-machined steel components that offer the exact tolerances required for a smooth-spinning axle. By replacing these often-overlooked parts during a bearing service, you are protecting your investment in high-quality bearings and ensuring that your VW''s power is delivered to the ground efficiently and reliably. It''s the professional way to "do it right the first time" when working on your IRS trailing arms.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for Volkswagen models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Standard fitment includes:

• VW Beetle: 1969 through 1977 (Sedans and Convertibles)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969 through 1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1969 through 1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Any custom Sand Rail, Dune Buggy, or Baja Bug utilizing stock VW IRS trailing arms and bearing carriers.

SPECS

The EMPI Axle Spacer Kit is manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specifications for durability and fitment. The kit includes the following technical components:

• Quantity: 6-piece kit (Completes both the Driver and Passenger sides).
• Inner Spacers: 2 Heavy-duty steel inner spacers.
• Center Spacers: 2 Precision-length center bearing spacers (located inside the housing between bearings).
• Outer Spacers: 2 Hardened steel outer spacers.
• Material: High-tensile, heat-treated steel for maximum compression resistance.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with standard 211-series IRS wheel bearings.
• Manufacturer Part Number: AC520101 (EMPI 16-2508).

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Verify Spacer Orientation and Cleanliness

Before installing your new EMPI spacers, ensure that the internal cavity of the trailing arm bearing carrier is meticulously cleaned of all old grease, grit, and metal shavings. When installing the center spacer, it must sit perfectly flush between the inner and outer bearing races. If there is any debris trapped behind the spacer, it can cause the bearings to bind once the axle nut is torqued. Always double-check that you have placed the inner, center, and outer spacers in the correct sequence as per the factory service manual. Missing even one of these components will result in immediate bearing destruction once the vehicle is put under load.

Tip 2: Respect the Torque Specs

The axle nut on an IRS Volkswagen requires a massive amount of torquetypically around 217 foot-pounds (or more depending on the specific heavy-duty axle being used). This high torque value is what "sandwiches" the entire assembly together. The spacers in this kit are specifically engineered to withstand this pressure without collapsing. If you find that your rear wheel still has "play" or "wobble" after torquing the nut to the correct spec, it is a sign that your old spacers were likely worn or that the new ones are not seated correctly. Never "back off" the axle nut to align the cotter pin hole; always tighten further to the next available slot to maintain the integrity of the spacer stack.

Tip 3: Use Assembly Lube for Corrosion Protection

While the wheel bearings themselves should be packed with high-quality high-temp disc brake wheel bearing grease, we highly recommend applying a very thin film of anti-seize or assembly lube to the surfaces of the spacers where they contact the axle shaft. This prevents the spacers from "rust-welding" themselves to the axle over years of use. This is especially critical for off-road vehicles or daily drivers in wet climates. Taking this extra step now will make future bearing replacements or brake drum removals significantly easier, as the spacers will slide off the splines without the need for heavy prying or heat.