Bowden Tube Bracket, for Type 2 Bus

OVERVIEW

The clutch system on an air-cooled Volkswagen Type 2 Bus is only as reliable as its anchor points, and the Bowden tube bracket plays a critical role in ensuring smooth, chatter-free engagement. When you are running a heavy-duty 091 transaxle, the stresses on the clutch cable and its housing are significantly higher than in a standard Beetle. This EMPI Bowden Tube Bracket is designed to provide a rock-solid mounting point on the transmission side cover, preventing the flex and movement that leads to premature cable failure and inconsistent pedal feel. Whether you are restoring a classic late-model Bay Window or building a high-performance off-road rail, this bracket ensures that your clutch cable maintains the necessary tension and alignment to operate flawlessly under pressure.

Crafted with versatility in mind, this custom chrome bracket isn''t just for stock cable-pull configurations. It serves as an excellent anchor point for those converting to a hydraulic clutch system, providing the necessary leverage and stability to mount a slave cylinder. The high-quality chrome finish doesn''t just look great under the chassis; it provides an extra layer of corrosion resistance against the elements, which is vital for vehicles that see dirt, mud, or coastal salt air. By bolting directly to the side cover, it simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need for makeshift spacers or weak universal brackets. When it comes to the drivetrain of your Volkswagen, don''t settle for flimsy components that can leave you stranded on the trail or at a stoplight; upgrade to a bracket that is built to handle the torque.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 (Models equipped with the 091 Transaxle)
• Custom Off-Road Sand Rails: Utilizing 091 Bus Gearboxes
• Volkswagen Vanagon: Early air-cooled models with 091 side cover configurations
• Kit Cars: Any custom application using a late-model VW Bus transmission

SPECS

• Part Number: AC301215 (EMPI 16-9907)
• Material: Heavy-Duty Stamped Steel
• Finish: Show-Quality Triple Chrome Plating
• Transmission Compatibility: Specifically for 091 Bus Transaxles
• Mounting Style: Side Cover Bolt-On
• Primary Function: Bowden Tube Cable Stop
• Secondary Function: Hydraulic Slave Cylinder Anchor
• Quantity: Sold Individually

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. Mastering the Bowden Tube Sag

When installing this bracket for a standard cable setup, remember that the "sag" or arch of your Bowden tube is the most important factor in preventing clutch chatter. You should aim for approximately 1 inch to 1.5 inches of downward arch between the bracket and the chassis guide tube. If the tube is too straight, the engine movement will pull on the cable, causing the clutch to "grab" and "release" rapidly as you take off. Use spacers or washers behind this EMPI bracket if you need to fine-tune that arch for a perfectly smooth launch every time.

2. Surface Prep for Side Cover Mounting

Before bolting this bracket to your 091 side cover, ensure the mounting surface is completely clean of old grease, dirt, and oil. Since this bracket shares mounting bolts with the transmission side cover, you want to ensure a perfectly flat mate to prevent any fluid seepage from the transaxle. We recommend using a small amount of blue thread locker on the bolts to ensure that vibration from the road or trail doesn''t loosen the bracket over time, which could lead to a sudden loss of clutch pedal pressure.

3. Hydraulic Conversion Alignment

If you are using this bracket as an anchor for a hydraulic slave cylinder, pay close attention to the pushrod angle. The beauty of this EMPI bracket is its rigidity, but if your slave cylinder is mounted at an extreme angle to the clutch release arm, you will experience rapid seal wear. Ensure the pushrod travels in as straight a line as possible. You may need to slightly enlarge the mounting hole on the bracket to perfectly clock your slave cylinder, ensuring that the hydraulic force is transferred directly to the pressure plate without side-loading the cylinder bore.