Cv Joint, 90mm Type 1, for Beetle & Ghia 68-79, Each

Overview

When it comes to maintaining the smooth operation of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s drivetrain, the CV joint is a critical component that often gets overlooked until it starts clicking or vibrating. This 90mm Type 1 CV Joint is engineered to provide the reliable power transfer your classic Beetle, Ghia, or Type 3 demands. Designed specifically for Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) models, this joint allows your axles to pivot and move with the suspension while maintaining a constant velocity of torque to the wheels. Whether you are restoring a showroom-quality 1968 Beetle or keeping your daily driver 1974 Ghia on the road, installing a high-quality CV joint is the only way to ensure a vibration-free ride and prevent catastrophic axle failure during high-load situations.

Precision is everything in a CV joint, and this EMPI-sourced unit delivers with tight tolerances and high-strength internal components. Featuring a 33-spline inner race and .6875-inch precision-ground balls, this joint is built to handle the stresses of both stock and mildly modified engines. Over time, the internal races of a CV joint can develop pits and grooves, leading to excessive heat and eventual binding. By replacing your worn factory units with these robust 90mm joints, you are restoring the factory-fresh feel of your VW''s rear end. Don''t settle for inferior, unbranded components that use soft metals; trust the parts that have been the backbone of the VW community for decades to keep your classic rolling smoothly down the highway or through the local cruise-in.

Fitment

• Volkswagen Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974

Technical Specifications

• Outside Diameter: 90mm (Approximately 3.54 inches)
• Inner Spline Count: 33-Spline precision race
• Internal Ball Size: 0.6875 inches
• Construction Material: High-strength hardened alloy steel
• Application: Type 1 Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
• Interchange Part Number: 113-501-331G
• Quantity: Sold individually (Four required per vehicle)

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. The Art of Proper Packing

Never simply "smear" grease on the outside of a new CV joint and call it a day. To ensure longevity, you must "pack" the joint. Place a generous amount of high-moly CV grease in the palm of your hand and press the joint into the grease until it forces its way up through the center and around the balls. Air pockets are the enemy of a CV joint; if the metal-on-metal surfaces aren''t fully submerged in lubricant from the first rotation, you will significantly shorten the lifespan of the part. Always use a high-quality, molybdenum-disulfide grease specifically rated for CV joints.

2. Torque and Tension Matter

When installing the 8mm 12-point internal wrenching bolts (Schorr bolts) that hold the CV joint to the drive flange, cleanliness is key. Ensure the threaded holes in the flange are completely free of old grease and debris. Use a small amount of blue thread locker and torque the bolts in a crisscross pattern to 25 ft-lbs. After the first 100 miles of driving, it is highly recommended to crawl back under the car and re-check the torque. Loose CV bolts are a leading cause of axle failure and can cause significant damage to your transaxle case if they back out while driving.

3. Check Your Operating Angles

If you are running a lifted woods buggy or a significantly lowered street car, pay close attention to the angle of your axles. While the 90mm Type 1 CV joint is robust, it has a limited range of motion (typically around 12 to 15 degrees of total pivot). If your suspension travel allows the axle to exceed these angles, the joint will bind, creating immense heat and eventually shattering the cage. If you find your setup is "maxing out" the joint at full droop or compression, you may need to look into notched spring plates or clearanced CV cages to prevent premature failure.