Knobby Spring Plate Grommets, 1-7/8 ID, Black Bugpack, Pair

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled Volkswagen''s rear suspension with the BUGPACK Knobby Spring Plate Grommets, engineered to provide a superior balance between performance and ride quality. Unlike standard factory rubber bushings that often perish, crack, and collapse under the stress of daily driving or off-road excursions, these redesigned grommets are constructed from a specialized, softer polyurethane compound. This unique material choice ensures that you maintain the firm, responsive handling characteristics associated with polyurethane without the harsh, bone-jarring vibration or excessive "squeaking" often found in cheaper, harder alternatives. By replacing your worn-out stock units with these Bugpack grommets, you are effectively restoring the structural integrity of your rear torsion housing and ensuring your spring plates remain perfectly centered for consistent suspension geometry.

The "knobby" or dimpled design of these grommets is a deliberate engineering choice aimed at maximizing longevity and minimizing friction. These small recesses act as grease reservoirs, allowing the lubricant to stay trapped between the bushing and the spring plate rather than being squeezed out during the initial installation or the first few miles of travel. This significantly reduces the chances of the dreaded "poly-squeak" and protects the spring plate from premature wear. Whether you are restoring a classic 1960s Beetle to its former glory or beefing up a late-model Type 1 for a more spirited driving experience, these 1-7/8 inch ID grommets offer a robust solution that won''t "crunch" or bottom out, providing a smoother, more controlled dampening effect that stock rubber simply cannot match.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Ghia (1961-1979): Fits the INNER position on the spring plate.
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Ghia (1950-1960): Fits the OUTER position on the spring plate.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (1965-1968): Fits the OUTER position on the spring plate.
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Compatible with any aftermarket torsion housing utilizing 1-7/8 inch ID spring plate configurations.

SPECS

• Brand: BUGPACK
• Material: High-Quality "Soft-Compound" Polyurethane
• Inner Diameter (ID): 1-7/8 Inches
• Design Style: Knobby / Dimpled Surface for Lubrication Retention
• Color: Black
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Grommets)
• Part Number: B658721
• Application: Rear Spring Plate / Torsion Housing

PRO TIPS

1. Use the Right Lubricant for Silence

When installing polyurethane grommets, the type of grease you use is critical for long-term performance. Never use a petroleum-based grease, as it can actually break down the polyurethane material over time and lead to premature failure. Instead, always use a high-quality, waterproof silicone-based or molybdenum-disulfide (moly) grease. Be sure to fill the "knobby" dimples on the grommet with grease before sliding them onto the spring plate; this creates a long-lasting barrier that prevents the metal-to-polyurethane friction that causes annoying squeaks.

2. Prep the Torsion Housing Thoroughly

Before installing your new Bugpack grommets, take the time to thoroughly clean the inside of the torsion housing and the surface of the spring plate. Years of road grime, rust, and old rubber residue can create an uneven surface that prevents the new grommet from seating correctly. Use a wire brush or a Scotch-Brite pad to remove any scale or debris until the metal is smooth. A clean surface ensures that the grommet can rotate slightly as intended without catching on jagged edges, which prevents tearing and ensures a perfectly centered spring plate.

3. Don''t Over-Tighten the Retainer Plate Immediately

When reassembling the rear suspension, start the bolts for the spring plate retainer cover by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once the bolts are in, tighten them in a diagonal "X" pattern to ensure even pressure is applied to the grommet. If you tighten one side completely before starting the others, you risk pinching the polyurethane or forcing it out of alignment. Snug them down evenly until the cover is flush against the housing, ensuring the grommet is compressed uniformly to provide the best possible seal against dirt and moisture.