What does '0.040 inch undersize' mean for these bearings?

This means the bearings are manufactured to be slightly smaller than standard size by 0.040 inches. They are intended for use with a crankshaft that has been machined down to this same undersize dimension to correct for wear.

Are these bearings suitable for any Volkswagen engine?

No, these bearings are specifically designed for the air-cooled Volkswagen engines found in many classic VW models. They are not compatible with water-cooled VW engines.

What is the typical application for this type of bearing?

These bearings are typically used during an engine rebuild when the crankshaft journals have been worn and subsequently ground down to a specific undersize. They allow for the crankshaft to be reinstalled with proper clearances.

Clevite VW Air Cooled Main Bearing Set MS1417A40

Name: Clevite VW Air Cooled Main Bearing Set
Brand: Clevite
Price: 47.55 USD
Availability: InStock

Clevite VW Air Cooled Main Bearing Set

$47.55

On Backorder

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Clevite VW Air Cooled Main Bearing Set MS1417A40. Fits many VW Beetle, Transporter, and Karmann Ghia models.

Key Features

Fits many Volkswagen Beetle, Transporter, Campmobile, Fastback, Karmann Ghia, and Squareback models.
This is a 0.040 inch undersize main bearing set.
Designed for air-cooled Volkswagen engines.
Features a multi-layer bearing material construction for durability.
Helps support the crankshaft and maintain oil film integrity.

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Product Details

This Clevite main bearing set is 0.040 inches undersize, meaning it's designed to be used when the crankshaft journals have been machined down to compensate for wear. These bearings are specifically made for air-cooled Volkswagen engines, commonly found in models like the Beetle, Transporter, and Karmann Ghia from the 1950s through the late 1970s. Proper main bearings are crucial for supporting the crankshaft and ensuring it spins smoothly within the engine block, which is vital for overall engine health and performance.

Clevite uses a multi-layer bearing material construction, combining a steel backing for strength with a bearing alloy that has good embeddability and conformability. This design helps to absorb shock loads and maintain oil film integrity, even under demanding conditions. Because these are undersize bearings, they are intended for use with a crankshaft that has been professionally ground and polished to the specified 0.040 inch undersize dimension. Using them on a standard-size crankshaft will result in excessive clearance and potential engine damage.