Shift Lever Bushing, Fits Beetle 61-68, Bus 61-67

OVERVIEW

Precision shifting is the hallmark of a well-maintained air-cooled Volkswagen, but after decades of use, the internal components of your transaxle can begin to fail. This EMPI Shift Lever Bushing, often referred to by seasoned builders as the nose cone bushing, is a critical component for restoring that factory-crisp gear selection. Located deep within the transmission nose cone, this brass bushing serves as the primary guide for the internal shift rodcommonly called the ''hockey stick.'' When this bushing wears down, it creates excessive play and "slop" in your shifter, making it difficult to find gears and increasing the risk of grinding or missed shifts. By replacing your old, ovaled-out bushing with this high-quality brass unit, you ensure that the hockey stick remains perfectly centered and moves with minimal friction, providing the tactile feedback every driver craves.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that the smallest parts often make the biggest difference in your driving experience. This shift lever bushing is manufactured to exacting tolerances to match the original German specifications, ensuring a snug press-fit into the nose cone housing. It is specifically designed for the transition years of the Beetle and Bus, bridging the gap between early and late transaxle designs. Whether you are performing a full transaxle rebuild or simply trying to tighten up a wandering gear stick, this brass bushing is an essential investment. Please note that this part is the brass sleeve only; it is highly recommended to replace the associated nose cone seal at the same time to prevent gear oil from leaking into your shift tube area and ruining your interior carpets or causing a mess under the chassis.

FITMENT

This shift lever bushing is designed for specific year ranges of the air-cooled Type 1 and Type 2 platforms. Please verify your transaxle type before ordering:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968

SPECS

Engineered for durability and smooth operation, this bushing meets or exceeds OEM standards for classic Volkswagens.

• Part Number: 111-301-207
• Material: High-Grade Machined Brass
• Component Type: Internal Transaxle Nose Cone Bushing
• Installation Method: Press-fit / Tap-in
• Compatibility: Manual Transmissions Only
• Finish: Natural Brass
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Don''t Forget the Seal

This product includes the brass bushing ONLY. When you have the nose cone off to replace this bushing, it is the absolute best time to replace the shift rod seal (Part Number 001-301-209A). The seal sits just outside this bushing and prevents transaxle fluid from migrating forward. If you replace the bushing but leave an old, hardened seal in place, you are asking for a leak down the road. Always treat these two components as a matched set during your maintenance routine.

2. Installation Precision

When installing this bushing into the nose cone, it is imperative that you use a proper driver or a socket that matches the outer diameter of the bushing. Brass is a relatively soft metal, and using a hammer directly on the face of the bushing can "mushroom" the edge, making it impossible for the hockey stick to slide through. Apply a light film of gear oil or assembly lube to the outer surface of the bushing before tapping it into place to ensure it seats squarely without galling the aluminum housing of the nose cone.

3. Inspect the Hockey Stick

Before you slide the nose cone back onto the transmission, take a close look at the "hockey stick" (the internal shift rod). Look for deep grooves, pitting, or signs of bending. If the hockey stick is significantly worn where it passes through the bushing, even a brand-new bushing won''t completely eliminate the play in your shifter. If you see significant wear, consider replacing the hockey stick as well to ensure your shifting is as smooth as it was the day the car left the factory in Wolfsburg.