Main Bearings, Standard Case, .040 Crank, Standard Thrust

OVERVIEW

Building a reliable air-cooled Volkswagen engine starts from the inside out, and choosing the right main bearings is the single most critical decision you will make for your bottom end. These high-quality main bearings are specifically engineered for engines where the engine case remains at its original factory standard bore, yet the crankshaft has been professionally ground to a .040 inch (1.00mm) undersize. Whether you are reviving a classic Beetle or assembling a rugged off-road rail, these bearings provide the essential oil film clearance necessary to prevent metal-to-metal contact, ensuring your Type 1, 2, or 3 engine runs cool and maintains consistent oil pressure even under demanding conditions. We understand that precision is the foundation of every great VW build, which is why we offer components that meet the rigorous demands of seasoned engine builders.

Precision is the name of the game when it comes to the VW flat-four boxer engine. Using a set of bearings that doesn''t match your specific machining specifications is a recipe for immediate and catastrophic engine failure. This specific set features a standard thrust flange, meaning your engine case thrust surface has not been machined, making it the perfect solution for builders who have a high-quality stock case but a crankshaft that required a significant cut to clean up the journals. Every bearing in this kit is manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specifications, offering superior embeddability for tiny particles and excellent fatigue resistance. When you choose Appletree Automotive for your internal engine components, you are investing in the longevity and performance of your VW legacy, ensuring that your air-cooled pride and joy stays on the road or the trail for years to come.

FITMENT

These main bearings are designed for Volkswagen air-cooled Type 1 based engines with a 1200cc to 1600cc displacement. Please verify your machining measurements before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Standard & Super): 1961-1979
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1961-1971 (1200cc-1600cc)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1961-1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962-1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Case Bore Diameter: Standard (Stock)
• Crankshaft Journal Undersize: .040 inches (1.00mm)
• Thrust Surface Width: Standard (Stock)
• Material: High-strength steel-backed alloy with premium babbitt lining.
• Engine Compatibility: Type 1, 2, and 3 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc based).
• Part Number Cross Reference: 111-198-469.
• Component Count: Complete set for all main journals.

PRO TIPS

1. Triple-Check Your Measurements

Never assume the size of your crankshaft or case based solely on what the previous owner told you. Before installing these bearings, use a high-quality micrometer to measure your crankshaft journals and a dial bore gauge to check your engine case. A .040 inch cut on a crankshaft is a significant amount of material removed; you must ensure the journals are perfectly round and within the tolerance range for a 1.00mm undersize bearing. Even a few ten-thousandths of an inch of error can lead to oil pressure issues or premature bearing seizure. Always "dry fit" the bearings into the case halves first to ensure they seat properly against the dowel pins.

2. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

When assembling your bottom end, the smallest speck of dirt can ruin a brand-new set of bearings. Before laying the crank into the case, ensure that the oil galleys in the engine case have been thoroughly scrubbed with soapy water and air-dried. Pay special attention to the bearing saddles and the dowel pin holes. If a dowel pin is slightly mushroomed or if there is debris behind the bearing shell, the bearing will not seat flat, causing a "high spot" that will wipe out the bearing surface in minutes. Wipe the back of the bearing shells and the case saddles with a lint-free cloth and a bit of solvent to ensure a perfectly clean metal-to-metal contact.

3. Use Proper Assembly Lubricant

Don''t make the mistake of using standard motor oil for your initial engine assembly. While motor oil is great for a running engine, it can drain away from the bearing surfaces during the time it takes to finish the build and install the engine. Use a dedicated high-pressure assembly lube on the bearing faces where they meet the crankshaft journals. This provides a thick, protective barrier for those first critical seconds of the initial start-up before the oil pump has fully primed the system. However, remember to keep the backs of the bearings (the side touching the case) dry or only very lightly filmed, as you want the bearing to "grip" the case and not spin.