Irs Outer Wheel Bearing, Fits Type 2 Bus 63-70

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the structural integrity and smooth operation of your vintage Volkswagen, few components are as critical as the rear wheel bearings. This IRS Outer Wheel Bearing is specifically engineered for the Type 2 Bus, covering the transitional years from 1963 through 1970. As these heavy-duty transporters age, the original bearings often succumb to "pitting" or "brinelling," leading to that dreaded rhythmic humming or vibration coming from the rear end. Our replacement bearing is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring that your Bus maintains its legendary reliability whether you are cruising to a local show or embarking on a cross-country camping trek. This bearing is the cornerstone of a quiet ride, providing the precision tolerances necessary to handle the unique lateral loads and radial forces exerted on the Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) trailing arms.

Restoring a Transporter requires parts that can stand up to the weight and demands of a fully loaded cabin. This outer wheel bearing is crafted from high-grade, heat-treated steel to provide maximum resistance against wear and thermal breakdown. Because the rear hub assembly on a Type 2 is a complex system involving both inner and outer bearings, spacers, and seals, using a high-quality component like this one is essential to prevent premature failure of the entire hub. Whether you are performing a disc brake conversion, refreshing your factory drum setup, or upgrading an early Split Window to an IRS configuration, this bearing provides the exact fitment required for the outer position of the rear spindle. Don''t settle for inferior alternatives that could leave you stranded; trust the specialists at Appletree Auto to provide the robust hardware your VW Bus deserves.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 (With IRS Conversion or Factory Application)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (Early Bay Window): 1968, 1969, 1970
• Custom Applications: Fits many IRS-swapped Dune Buggies and Woods Buggies utilizing Type 2 trailing arms for increased strength.

SPECS

• OEM Part Number Cross-Reference: 211-501-283, 211-501-283EC
• Position: Rear Axle, Outer Location
• Suspension Type: Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
• Material: High-Carbon Chrome Steel for superior durability and load capacity.
• Weight: 0.7 lbs
• Inner Diameter: Precision machined for standard Type 2 rear spindles.
• Construction: High-tolerance ball bearing design to minimize friction and heat buildup.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with factory grease seals and inner roller bearings.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Replace Seals and Inspect the Spacer: When you are deep enough into the rear hub to replace the outer bearing, it is absolutely vital to replace the inner and outer grease seals at the same time. A tiny leak in an old seal can allow road grime or moisture to enter the bearing housing, which will destroy your new bearing in short order. Additionally, inspect the internal spacer tube for any signs of "mushrooming" or wear. If the spacer is even slightly deformed, it will prevent the bearings from seating correctly, leading to excessive play and a failed inspection.

2. Proper Press Technique is Mandatory: Never attempt to hammer a wheel bearing into the trailing arm housing. The shock of a hammer blow can cause microscopic fractures in the races or flat spots on the balls, leading to "indexed" bearings that fail almost immediately. Use a hydraulic press and a bearing driver that matches the diameter of the outer race. By applying pressure only to the outer race during installation into the housing, you ensure that the load is not transmitted through the internal balls, preserving the integrity of the bearing surfaces.

3. The Importance of the Rear Axle Nut Torque: One of the most common mistakes in VW rear-end assembly is under-torquing the rear axle nut. For a Type 2 Bus, this nut requires a massive amount of torque (typically 217 ft-lbs or more depending on your specific year and manual). If this nut is not tight enough, the entire hub assemblyincluding this outer bearingcan shift on the spindle. This creates a "chatter" that will quickly wallow out the splines on your brake drums and ruin the bearing. We highly recommend using a high-quality torque multiplier or a long-handled torque wrench to ensure the assembly is locked down to factory specifications.