Shifter Bushing Lock Ring, for Stock VW Shift Bushings

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the precision of your classic Volkswagen''s gear selection, every millimeter counts. If your shifter feels like a wooden spoon in a bowl of oatmeal, the culprit is often a worn-out or missing shifter bushing lock ring. This EMPI Shifter Bushing Lock Ring is the unsung hero of your shift linkage assembly, designed specifically to snap into the shift rod bracket located deep inside the central tunnel. Its primary job is to provide constant tension and security for the nylon shift rod bushing, ensuring that the bushing remains perfectly centered and stationary as the shift rod slides and rotates through it. Without this vital retaining ring, the bushing can migrate out of its bracket, leading to excessive play, missed gears, and eventually, metal-on-metal contact that can damage the shift rod itself.

The EMPI Shifter Bushing Lock Ring is a high-quality, faithful reproduction of the original German factory component (OEM Number 111-701-263). Manufactured from high-tensile spring steel, this ring is engineered to withstand the rigors of thousands of gear changes while maintaining its tension over decades of use. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or simply trying to tighten up the daily driver''s shifting performance, replacing this ring is a mandatory step. Often, during a shift rod service, owners find the original ring is either rusted through or has lost its "spring," making this affordable part an essential insurance policy against future shifting frustrations. Don''t settle for a sloppy shifter when a crisp, notched gear selection is only a small hardware update away.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1950 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 147 Fridolin: All Years

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 98-7013-B
• OEM Reference Number: 111-701-263
• Material: High-tensile spring steel with corrosion-resistant coating
• Application: Retains the shift rod bushing within the tunnel hanger bracket
• Outer Diameter: Precision matched to factory VW shift rod brackets
• Installation Location: Internal chassis tunnel, forward of the shifter assembly
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. The "Fishing" Technique for Easier Installation

Installing the lock ring inside the tunnel can be a test of patience because of the limited visibility and tight space. To make this easier, we recommend tying a piece of thin fishing line or dental floss to the ring before you attempt to seat it. If you accidentally drop the ring into the dark abyss of the tunnel, you can simply pull it back out and try again without having to fish around with a magnet. Once the ring is firmly snapped into the groove of the shift rod bracket, you can simply snip the line and pull it out. Always ensure the shift rod is pulled back or removed entirely to give yourself the maximum amount of workspace within the hanger bracket.

2. Pre-Lubrication is Essential

Before you snap the lock ring into place, ensure that your new nylon bushing is properly seated and liberally coated with a high-quality, synthetic lithium grease or a specialized "sticky" grease designed for bushings. The lock ring is designed to hold the bushing tight, but the rod needs to slide through the center of that bushing with zero resistance. Applying grease to the lock ring itself during installation also helps prevent future surface rust in the damp environment of the tunnel. It''s much easier to over-grease during the assembly phase than it is to try and add lubrication once the shifter and carpet are reinstalled.

3. Inspect the Hanger Bracket for Ovalization

Before installing your new EMPI lock ring, take a moment to inspect the metal hanger bracket welded inside the tunnel. Over decades of shifting without a proper bushing or with a failed lock ring, the hole in the bracket can become "ovalized" or worn down. If the bracket is damaged, even a brand-new lock ring may not seat correctly or may pop out under heavy shifting. If you find the bracket is slightly bent, use a pair of long-reach pliers to straighten it out so the lock ring can sit perfectly flush. A secure, square fitment is the secret to getting that factory-fresh "click-click" feel in your gear changes.