Round Spring Plate Grommets, For Type 2 Bus 50-79

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring the ride quality of a vintage Volkswagen, few components are as critical yet as frequently overlooked as the rear spring plate grommets. These JP Round Spring Plate Grommets are engineered specifically for the Type 2 Bus, spanning the entire production run from 1950 through 1979. Over decades of service, original rubber bushings succumb to dry rot, compression set, and environmental contamination, leading to a "saggy" rear end, erratic wheel alignment, and harsh metal-on-metal clunking. By replacing your worn-out, flattened insulators with these high-density rubber grommets, you are effectively restoring the factory-intended dampening and pivot geometry of your rear torsion system. As any air-cooled specialist will tell you, a Bus is only as good as its suspension, and these grommets are the foundation of a smooth, predictable drive.

These grommets are designed for maximum versatility and durability, serving as a direct replacement for the inner or outer positions on your rear torsion housing. Manufactured to meet rigorous standards, they provide the necessary friction and cushion to allow the spring plate to rotate smoothly while keeping the torsion bar centered. Whether you are daily driving a late-model Bay Window or performing a concours restoration on a Barn-Door Split Window, these grommets offer the perfect balance of Shore hardness and flexibility. Don''t settle for inferior, soft rubber that will squash under the weight of a fully loaded camper; these JP units are built to handle the heavy-duty requirements of the Type 2 chassis. Sold individually, they allow for targeted repairs, though we always recommend replacing all four to ensure uniform suspension response across the rear axle.

FITMENT

These round spring plate grommets are compatible with the following Volkswagen Type 2 models:

• Type 2 Split Window Bus: 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Type 2 Bay Window Bus: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Fits All Sub-models: Kombi, Microbus, Deluxe, Panel Van, Single Cab, Double Cab, and Westfalia Campers.

SPECS

• Part Number: 211-511-245A
• Material: Heavy-duty, high-density automotive-grade rubber compound.
• Shape: Round profile (Standard Type 2 geometry).
• Placement: Fits either the Inner or Outer position of the rear spring plate housing.
• Quantity Required: 4 per vehicle (2 per side).
• Sold As: Individually (Each).
• Color: Black.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with stock torsion housings and spring plates.

PRO TIPS

1. Avoid Petroleum-Based Lubricants

When installing new rubber grommets, never use standard chassis grease or petroleum-based lubricants. Petroleum will chemically break down the rubber, causing it to turn into a "mushy" mess within months. Instead, use a generous amount of talcum powder, dish soap, or a dedicated silicone-based rubber lubricant. This allows the grommet to slide into the housing and onto the spring plate without binding, ensuring it seats perfectly without compromising the integrity of the material.

2. Inspect the Spring Plate Covers

Before you slide the new grommet into place, take a close look at your metal spring plate covers. Over time, these covers can become warped or rusted thin. If the cover is bowed out, it won''t apply even pressure to the grommet, which leads to premature wear and suspension noise. If you see significant pitting or bending, replace the covers at the same time as the grommets. A flat, clean mating surface is essential for the grommet to do its job of centering the spring plate.

3. The "Full Weight" Final Tightening

To prevent the rubber from "binding" or pre-loading in a twisted position, it is a best practice to snug the spring plate cover bolts down, but wait to perform the final high-torque tightening until the vehicle is back on the ground with its full weight on the suspension. This allows the grommet to find its natural "neutral" position. If you tighten them fully while the suspension is at full droop on jack stands, the rubber will be under constant torsional stress once the Bus is back on its wheels, leading to a much shorter lifespan for the part.