Rod Bearing, .010 Under, for Type 1 VW, Mahle Clevite

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a performance engine build or a stock restoration of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the bottom end is where championships are won and longevity is guaranteed. These EMPI Rod Bearings, specifically sized at .010 inches (0.25mm) undersize, are the professional choice for crankshafts that have seen some miles and required a precision regrind to restore a perfect, concentric journal surface. In the world of Type 1 engines, maintaining strict tolerances is the difference between a motor that hums for decades and one that suffers a catastrophic failure. These bearings provide the critical oil film clearance necessary to support the reciprocating mass of your connecting rods, ensuring that your engine maintains rock-solid oil pressure even under the high-heat conditions typical of air-cooled environments. Whether you are cruising the coastline in a Beetle or pushing through the dunes in a rail, these bearings are engineered to handle the load.

Crafted with a high-strength steel backing and a premium bearing alloy surface, these rod bearings are designed to withstand the eccentricities of high-RPM operation and the vertical loads of the combustion stroke. As a master engine builder, I cannot stress enough the importance of using fresh, high-quality bearings during every rebuild. Reusing old bearings or using off-brand components is a recipe for disaster. This complete set from EMPI is manufactured to exacting standards to ensure that the "tang" alignment is perfect and the crush is precise when the rod caps are torqued down. By choosing the .010 undersize, you are specifically accommodating a crankshaft where the journals have been machined down to 54.75mm, allowing you to save an original German forging rather than tossing it in the scrap heap. It''s an investment in the structural integrity of your Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 powerplant.

FITMENT

This rod bearing set is designed for the Volkswagen Type 1 engine platform and its derivatives. Specifically, it fits the following models equipped with a crankshaft ground .010 (0.25mm) under on the rod journals:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1979 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines).
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (Up to 1600cc Dual Port).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a VW Type 1 upright engine case.

SPECS

Precision is everything when it comes to internal engine components. Here are the technical specifications for the 113-105-707BR rod bearing set:

• Bearing Size: .010 Inches (0.25mm) Undersize.
• Target Journal Diameter: 54.75mm (approximate).
• Application: Connecting Rod Journals for Type 1 VW engines.
• Construction: Multi-layer steel backing with high-grade babbitt or aluminum-tin alloy.
• Set Quantity: Complete set for four (4) connecting rods (8 shell halves total).
• Part Number: 113-105-707BR.
• Compatibility: Works with stock VW rods and most aftermarket stock-dimension rods.
• Oil Holes: Precision stamped to align with standard rod lubrication paths.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Measure Twice Before Ordering

The most common mistake in engine building is assuming the size of your crankshaft journals. Just because a crank "looks clean" doesn''t mean it is standard size. Before you purchase these .010 bearings, you must use a high-quality outside micrometer to measure the rod journals. If your journals measure approximately 54.75mm, these are the correct bearings. If they measure 55.00mm, you need "Standard" bearings. Never rely on what the previous owner told you; verify the dimensions yourself to ensure the oil clearance is within the factory specification of .001 to .003 inches. Failure to verify this will result in either a seized motor (if the clearance is too tight) or zero oil pressure (if it is too loose).

2. Use Proper Assembly Lubricant

When you are installing these bearings into the rods, cleanliness is next to godliness. Clean the rod bore and the back of the bearing shells with lint-free wipes and brake cleaner to ensure no oil or debris is trapped behind the shell, which could cause a "hot spot." Once the shells are snapped into place, apply a generous amount of high-pressure assembly lube (like Red Line or Lucas) to the bearing face that contacts the crankshaft. Do NOT use standard motor oil for assembly; it is too thin and will run off the surfaces before you ever get the engine started, leading to a "dry start" that can score your brand-new bearings in the first five seconds of run time.

3. Check the "Tang" and Torque Sequence

VW rod bearings utilize a small tab, or "tang," to help locate the bearing in the rod. Ensure these tings are properly seated in the machined recesses of the rod and the rod cap. When assembling the rods onto the crank, make sure the numbers on the rod and the cap are on the same side and facing upward toward the camshaft. Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten your rod bolts to the manufacturer''s specification (usually 24-25 ft-lbs for stock 8mm bolts, but always check your specific bolt requirements). After torquing, ensure the rod can move side-to-side on the journal slightly; if it is locked solid, you have a clearance issue or a bearing that has shifted during installation.