Throwout Bearing, for Swing Axle Transmission

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the smooth operation of your vintage Volkswagen, the throwout bearing is a critical component that often goes overlooked until it starts making noise or fails completely. This EMPI Early Style Throwout Bearing is engineered specifically for swing axle transmissions and early IRS setups that utilize the round-stub style release arm. Designed to withstand the rigors of daily driving and the high-torque demands of performance air-cooled engines, this bearing ensures a crisp, consistent clutch engagement. Whether you are restoring a classic 1950s Beetle or maintaining a late-sixties Transporter, using a high-quality bearing like this one is essential to prevent premature wear on your pressure plate and to maintain the legendary drivability of your air-cooled VW.

Precision is everything in the VW drivetrain, and this bearing is built to exact OEM specifications to ensure a perfect fit on your early-style transmission cross-shaft. It is important to remember that this "early style" bearing is distinguished by its attachment method; it uses removable metal clips that snap onto small round stubs located on both ends of the bearing housing. Because many vintage Volkswagens have had transmission or engine swaps over the last 50 years, it is vital to verify your current hardware. This bearing is designed to work exclusively with pressure plates that feature a center thrust ring (often called a "pad"). If your pressure plate is a later "diaphragm" style without that center ring, this bearing will not function correctly. Trust in EMPI''s decades of air-cooled expertise to keep your clutch system operating at peak performance.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1947 through 1970
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1950 through 1970
• Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1970
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1970
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Early models with swing axle or early IRS configurations
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any application utilizing a pre-1971 VW swing axle transmission

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-141-165A
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Material: High-grade hardened steel housing with premium internal ball bearings
• Mounting Style: Round stub for clip-on attachment (Clips sold separately)
• Compatibility: Must be used with "Early Style" pressure plates (equipped with center ring)
• Weight: 0.50 lbs
• Inner Diameter: Standard 30mm for early mainshaft clearance
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for longevity in humid or coastal environments

PRO TIPS

1. The Golden Rule of Compatibility

The most common mistake made during a clutch job is mismatching the throwout bearing and the pressure plate. This EMPI bearing is a "non-guided" style, meaning it does not slide on a sleeve. Because of this, it MUST be used with a pressure plate that has a center thrust ring (a flat metal disc in the center of the pressure plate fingers). If you attempt to use this bearing with a 1971-later style pressure plate that lacks the center ring, the bearing will fall into the fingers of the pressure plate, causing immediate and catastrophic failure. Always double-check your pressure plate style before sliding the engine back into the car.

2. Inspect Your Operating Shaft Stubs

Since this bearing attaches via clips to the small round stubs on the throwout bearing arm (operating shaft), you must inspect those stubs for "flats" or excessive wear. Over decades of use, the metal-on-metal contact can wear the round stubs into an oval shape, which causes the bearing to sit crooked. A crooked bearing will lead to uneven pressure on the clutch, causing "chatter" and premature bearing failure. If your stubs are worn down, we strongly recommend replacing the throwout bearing operating shaft at the same time you replace the bearing.

3. Never Reuse Old Clips

This bearing does not include the mounting clips, and while it is tempting to reuse the old ones, we highly advise against it. These clips are made of spring steel and lose their tension after years of heat cycles and vibration. A weak clip can allow the bearing to pop off the arm inside the bellhousing, leaving you stranded and requiring you to pull the engine all over again just to fix a five-cent part. Always install new clips and ensure they "snap" firmly into place. For extra peace of mind, ensure the clips are oriented correctly so they do not interfere with the movement of the pressure plate.