Cam Bearings, Single Thrust, For Type 1 VW Engines

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the heart of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the camshaft is the conductor of the engine''s internal symphony, and the bearings it rides on are the foundation of that performance. These EMPI Single Thrust Cam Bearings are specifically engineered for Type 1 based engines, offering a reliable and high-quality solution for standard 1300cc to 1600cc rebuilds. Unlike double-thrust configurations that can sometimes complicate the assembly process, the single-thrust design provides a straightforward, traditional installation that has been the industry standard for decades. Whether you are refreshing a daily driver Beetle or assembling a weekend cruiser, these bearings provide the essential low-friction surface needed to ensure your camshaft rotates smoothly, reducing internal heat and preventing premature wear on your engine case and valvetrain components.

Precision is paramount in the world of VW engine building, and EMPI has manufactured these bearings to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. These are not just basic replacements; they are a critical component for anyone seeking to maintain the longevity of their flat-four powerplant. The single thrust design is particularly favored by seasoned builders for its ease of setup, allowing for a more forgiving assembly while still maintaining the strict tolerances required for oil pressure stability. By choosing these 111-198-541BR bearings, you are investing in a product that balances affordability with professional-grade durability. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that a successful build starts from the inside out, and these cam bearings are the perfect choice for securing your engine''s timing and performance for thousands of miles to come.

FITMENT

These cam bearings are designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines and are compatible with the following models and configurations:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1963-1971 (With 1500cc or 1600cc upright engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966-1973
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a Type 1 1300cc-1600cc engine case.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI Single Thrust Cam Bearing set:

• Part Number: 111-198-541BR
• Engine Compatibility: Type 1, 2, and 3 based 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines.
• Thrust Configuration: Single Thrust (One flanged bearing).
• Sizing: Standard Case / Standard Camshaft dimensions.
• Material: High-grade steel-backed alloy for superior heat dissipation and load bearing.
• Set Includes: Full set of three (3) bearings to complete one engine build.
• Weight: Approximately 0.1 lbs.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.

PRO TIPS

Proper Bearing Seating Technique

One of the most common mistakes in engine assembly is failing to properly seat the cam bearings before checking end play. After you have placed the bearings into the case halves and installed the camshaft, you must seat them mechanically. Use a soft piece of wood or a brass drift against the end of the camshaft and give it a firm tap with a hammer in both the forward and aft directions. Repeat this process 4 to 5 times. This ensures the bearing shells are fully nested into the engine case saddles. Only after this procedure is complete should you take your final end play measurements to ensure accuracy; otherwise, your readings will be false, leading to potential engine failure once the case reaches operating temperature.

Oil Hole Alignment Verification

Before you apply assembly lube and final-seat your camshaft, you must double-check the alignment of the oil holes in the bearings with the oil galleries in the engine case. If the bearing is installed slightly rotated, it can partially or completely block the flow of oil to the camshaft journals. This leads to immediate galling and catastrophic failure within minutes of the first startup. I always recommend using a small pick or a thin wire to physically feel that the hole in the bearing perfectly matches the hole in the case. A little extra time spent here saves you from a complete engine teardown later.

The Advantage of Single Thrust for Rebuilds

While some performance builders prefer double-thrust bearings, the single-thrust design included in this kit is often the superior choice for stock or mild street rebuilds. The single thrust bearing is significantly easier to set up because you only have one thrust surface to manage, which reduces the complexity of achieving the correct end play. It is also more forgiving if your engine case has seen previous use and might have slight variations in the saddle depth. When building a reliable 1600cc engine, the single thrust design provides more than enough lateral support for the camshaft while ensuring that oil can circulate freely around the journals without the added friction of an unnecessary second thrust face.