021-198-485A VW Type 4 Main Bearing Set - .50 Crank / Std Case

Main Bearing Set (.50 Crank / Std Case / Std Thrust) – 021-198-485A

The 021-198-485A is an essential component for salvaging a high-value Type 4 crankshaft. Because Type 4 cores are increasingly rare, machining a worn crank to a 0.50mm undersize is a common practice to extend the life of the engine. This bearing set provides the precise oil clearances required to keep a 2.0L motor running cool and quiet. By utilizing this set with a standard-bore case, you ensure that the engine's primary structural alignment remains as close to factory as possible.

This set is compatible with all air-cooled Transporters using the Type 4 engine architecture, including the 914-style 2.0L motors.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility

VW Bus (Type 2 / Type 4 Engine):

1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Vanagon (Air-Cooled 2.0L):

1980, 1981, 1982, 1983

Product Highlights & Features

• Reinforced Babbitt Lining: Features a high-strength bearing surface designed to resist the fatigue and "flaking" often caused by the heavy reciprocating mass of the 2.0L crankshaft.

• Factory-Correct Oil Porting: Includes the specific oiling holes and grooves required to feed the Type 4's internal oil galleys, including the critical center-main lubrication path.

• Steel-Backed Strength: The steel backing provides excellent thermal transfer, helping to move heat away from the crankshaft and into the engine case.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 021-198-485A

• Crankshaft Journal: 0.50mm Undersize (.020")

• Engine Case Bore: Standard (Std)

• Thrust Flange: Standard (Std)

• Engine Application: 1700cc, 1800cc, 2000cc (Type 4)

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Micrometer Verification: A 0.50mm undersize leaves very little margin for error. Always measure your crankshaft journals at multiple points to ensure the machine shop has maintained perfect circularity and the correct diameter for these bearings.

• Cleanliness is Critical: Use a dedicated engine cleaning brush to clear the oil galleys in the case. Any abrasive grit left over from the machining process will immediately ruin the soft babbitt surface of these new bearings.

• Pre-Lube Everything: Apply a liberal coating of high-pressure assembly lube to the bearing faces and the crankshaft journals. On a Type 4 engine, the initial few seconds of "dry" startup are when most bearing wear occurs.