Irs Pivot Bolt & Washers, for Beetle 69-79, Ghia 69-74, Eac

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the structural integrity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s rear suspension, the IRS pivot bolt is the unsung hero that keeps everything tracking straight. This high-quality IRS Pivot Bolt and Washer kit is specifically designed to replace the often-corroded or stripped factory hardware found on 1969 and later Beetles, Ghias, and Type 3s. Unlike the original Volkswagen design that featured a cumbersome 17mm internal Allen headwhich is notorious for filling with road grime and stripping out during removalthis aftermarket upgrade features a robust external hex head. This design change allows you to use a standard socket or wrench, making installation and future maintenance significantly easier, especially when working in the tight confines of the rear subframe or trailing arm pivot pockets.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that a suspension failure is not an option, whether you are cruising the local boulevard or pounding through the dunes in a custom sand rail. This pivot bolt is manufactured from high-tensile steel to handle the extreme shear and tension loads exerted on the trailing arm during hard cornering and suspension articulation. The kit includes two heavy-duty flat washers, ensuring that the clamping force is evenly distributed across the pivot bushing sleeve and the mounting bracket. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration or simply upgrading to aftermarket urethane bushings, these bolts provide the security and peace of mind that only professional-grade hardware can offer. Don''t risk your safety with old, fatigued, or rusted factory bolts when a precision-engineered replacement is just a click away.

FITMENT

This IRS Pivot Bolt kit is designed for Volkswagen models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Please verify your vehicle year and suspension type before ordering:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1969-1977 (Sedan)
• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1969-1979 (Convertible)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969-1974
• VW Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1969-1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most aftermarket IRS pivot boxes used on Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs.

SPECS

Each kit is sold individually (one bolt and two washers per side). Two kits are required per vehicle.

• Part Number: 113-501-535A
• Bolt Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
• Bolt Length: 85mm (Under head to end of threads)
• Head Style: External Hex (Upgrade over factory internal Allen)
• Material: High-tensile Grade 10.9 Steel equivalent
• Finish: Zinc Plated for superior rust and corrosion resistance
• Included Components: (1) Pivot Bolt, (2) Specialized Flat Washers
• Application: IRS Trailing Arm to Pivot Bracket

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Torque is Mandatory

When installing your new IRS pivot bolts, it is absolutely critical to use a calibrated torque wrench. The factory specification for these bolts is approximately 87 ft-lbs (120 Nm). Under-tightening can lead to the bolt backing out or the trailing arm "clunking" within the bracket, while over-tightening can stretch the bolt or crush the internal bushing sleeve. Always perform your final torque sequence with the vehicle at ride height (wheels on the ground or on a drive-on lift) to ensure the rubber bushings are not pre-loaded or twisted, which would lead to premature bushing failure.

2. Use Anti-Seize Lubricant

One of the most common issues with VW IRS suspension is the pivot bolt seizing inside the metal inner sleeve of the trailing arm bushing. This happens when moisture enters the pivot pocket, causing galvanic corrosion between the bolt and the sleeve. To prevent this "death-grip" scenario, apply a generous coating of high-quality nickel or silver-based anti-seize lubricant to the smooth shank of the bolt before sliding it through the bushing. Do not apply anti-seize to the threads themselves if you are using a standard dry-torque specification, as this can lead to over-stretching the bolt.

3. Inspect Your Bushings Simultaneously

Since you must remove the pivot bolt to service the trailing arm, this is the perfect time to inspect your inner trailing arm bushings. Look for signs of dry rot, cracking, or eccentricity (where the center hole is no longer centered in the rubber). If you are upgrading to high-performance urethane bushings, ensure that the inner metal sleeve is the correct length to match the pivot bracket width. If the sleeve is too short, the bracket will pinch the trailing arm and bind the suspension; if it is too long, the arm will have excessive side-to-side play. Always replace worn bushings when installing new hardware to maintain proper rear-wheel alignment.