Knobby Spring Plate Grommet, for Beetle & Ghia 60-68, Each

OVERVIEW

Restore the legendary ride quality of your classic Volkswagen with our premium Knobby Spring Plate Grommet. Specifically designed for the 1960 through 1968 Beetle and Karmann Ghia, as well as early Type 3 models, these grommets are the unsung heroes of your rear suspension system. Over decades of service, original rubber bushings become compressed, brittle, and oil-soaked, leading to metal-on-metal contact, annoying "clunking" sounds, and a significant degradation in handling precision. This high-quality reproduction features the correct "knobby" or dimpled texture that was synonymous with the mid-sixties VW production era, ensuring that your restoration remains period-correct while providing the structural integrity needed for modern road conditions. Whether you''re performing a full body-off restoration or just tightening up a daily driver, replacing these grommets is a mandatory step in eliminating rear-end sag and maintaining proper wheel alignment.

These grommets serve as the critical interface between the spring plate and the torsion housing, acting as a high-density cushion that absorbs road vibration and allows the torsion bars to twist freely without binding. Because these are sold individually, you have the flexibility to replace a single worn unit, though we always recommend replacing all four at once to ensure a balanced ride height and consistent suspension response. The 46mm inside diameter is precision-molded to fit snugly over the spring plate collar, preventing the lateral movement that often causes "ghost steering" or rear-end wander at highway speeds. Manufactured by EMPI, a name synonymous with air-cooled performance since the 1950s, these bushings are crafted from a specialized vulcanized rubber compound that resists environmental rot and provides the perfect balance between original equipment flexibility and long-term durability. Don''t settle for inferior, generic bushings that lack the proper knobby profile; give your VW the exact fitment it deserves.

FITMENT

This spring plate grommet is designed for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback): 1964, 1965, 1966, and 1967.
• Note: Used in the Left/Inner or Right/Outer positions depending on your specific torsion housing configuration.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the 311-511-246 Knobby Grommet:

• OEM Reference Part Number: 311-511-246.
• Inside Diameter: 46mm (Precision molded for a snug fit).
• Material: High-density vulcanized rubber compound.
• Texture: Knobby / Dimpled surface for improved grease retention and vibration damping.
• Color: Classic Black.
• Position: Universal (Fits Inner or Outer depending on year/model).
• Quantity: Sold Each (4 required per vehicle for a complete rear overhaul).
• Weight: Approximately 0.35 lbs per unit.

PRO TIPS

1. Avoid Petroleum-Based Lubricants

When installing new rubber grommets, never use standard chassis grease or petroleum-based sprays. Petroleum will chemically break down the rubber, causing it to swell and rot prematurely. Instead, use a specialized silicone-based lubricant or a heavy-duty dish soap and water mixture. This allows the grommet to slide into the torsion housing and over the spring plate collar easily without compromising the integrity of the material. A properly lubricated grommet will also help prevent the "squeaking" that often plagues freshly rebuilt rear suspensions.

2. Inspect the Spring Plate and Housing

Before installing your new knobby grommet, take a moment to inspect the metal surfaces of the spring plate collar and the inside of the torsion housing. It is common for rust or "pitting" to develop in these areas over time. Use a wire wheel or sandpaper to clean these surfaces until they are smooth. If the metal is rough, it will act like sandpaper against your new rubber bushing, wearing it down in a fraction of its intended lifespan. A quick coat of chassis paint or rust inhibitor on the metal surfaces (once cleaned) will provide a smooth mating surface for the new rubber.

3. Check Your Torsion Bar Splines

Since you must remove the spring plate to replace these grommets, this is the perfect opportunity to inspect your torsion bar splines and adjust your ride height. Make sure to mark your original spline position with a paint pen before disassembly so you have a baseline. If your car was leaning to one side, you can "re-index" the bars by one or two splines to level the car out. Always replace the grommets in pairs (inner and outer) on both sides of the car to ensure that the suspension geometry remains symmetrical and your alignment stays true.