Irs Bearing Retaining Clip, Fits Beetle & Ghia 69-79, Each

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a rear-end rebuild on your late-model Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Volkswagen, it is often the smallest components that cause the biggest headaches. The IRS Bearing Retaining Clip is a critical piece of the trailing arm assembly that is frequently overlooked, lost, or mangled during the teardown process. Designed to seat firmly within the inner diameter of the bearing carrier on the CV joint side of the arm, this spring-steel clip provides the initial tension required to keep your outer wheel bearing properly positioned before the stub axle is fully torqued. While some builders mistakenly believe the compression from the axle nut is sufficient to hold everything in place, this clip serves as the factory-engineered safeguard to ensure your bearing doesn''t migrate or oscillate within the housing, which can lead to premature wear of the bearing surfaces and the trailing arm itself.

At Appletree Auto, we know that a "good enough" restoration isn''t what keeps your classic VW on the road for another fifty years. This EMPI replacement clip is manufactured to exacting OEM specifications, ensuring the correct tension and "snap" into the bearing housing groove. Whether you are refreshing a daily driver Beetle, a sleek Karmann Ghia, or a heavy-duty Type 3, using a fresh retaining clip is cheap insurance against mechanical failure. Don''t make the mistake of reusing a weakened, rusty, or bent original clip that has lost its temper over decades of heat cycles. Installing a new, high-quality retaining clip ensures that your rear suspension geometry remains stable and that your trailing arm rebuild is performed to the highest professional standards.

FITMENT

This IRS Bearing Retaining Clip is designed specifically for Volkswagen models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension. It fits the following applications:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1969 through 1979 (All IRS models)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969 through 1974
• VW Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1969 through 1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974

SPECS

• OEM Part Number: 113-501-299
• Material: High-tensile heat-treated spring steel
• Placement: Inner side of the IRS trailing arm bearing carrier (CV Joint side)
• Compatibility: Fits standard factory IRS trailing arms and most aftermarket replacements
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant black oxide or zinc coating for long-term durability
• Sold As: Each (Two required per vehicle)

PRO TIPS FROM THE APPLETREE SHOP

1. Proper Installation Technique

When installing the retaining clip, it is vital that you do not over-expand the spring steel. Using a dedicated set of internal snap-ring pliers is the professional way to handle this job. If you try to force the clip in with a screwdriver, you risk bending the metal beyond its elastic limit, which ruins the tension and can prevent it from seating correctly in the groove. Ensure the groove inside the trailing arm is perfectly clean of old grease, grit, and rust before snapping the new clip into place. You should hear a distinct "click" when it seats; if it feels mushy, the groove is likely clogged with debris.

2. Inspect the Bearing Housing Groove

Before you install your new clip, take a close look at the machined groove inside the trailing arm housing. Over time, moisture can get trapped behind the clip, causing "pitting" or corrosion in the channel. If the groove is significantly worn or rusted away, the new clip won''t have a shoulder to bite into. In these cases, you should use a small wire brush or a pick to clean the channel back to bare metal. If the groove is completely gone due to severe corrosion, you may need to consider replacing the trailing arm entirely to ensure the safety of your rear wheel assembly.

3. The "While You Are In There" Rule

Replacing this clip is usually part of a larger bearing and seal service. We highly recommend replacing your inner and outer grease seals, the O-rings, and the crush sleeve (spacer) at the same time you replace this clip. Because you have to remove the CV joint and the stub axle to access this area, it is the perfect time to inspect your CV boots for cracks and your bearings for any signs of heat discoloration or pitting. Using a fresh retaining clip with old, worn bearings is a missed opportunity for a total suspension refresh. Always use a high-quality wheel bearing grease and ensure the stub axle nut is torqued to the proper factory specification (usually 250+ ft-lbs) to provide the final clamping force that works in conjunction with this clip.