111-301-155 VW 6-Volt Starter Bushing - Beetle, Bus, Ghia, Type 3

VW 6-Volt Starter Bushing – 111-301-155

The 111-301-155 is a critical brass or bronze support bearing that is pressed into the transmission bell housing. This bushing is specifically engineered to support the armature shaft of a 6-volt starter motor when installed in a 6-volt transmission. Because the starter shaft on these early models relies on the transmission housing for its secondary point of support, a worn or missing bushing will cause the starter to drag, pull excessive current, and eventually grind against the flywheel.

Maintaining a fresh starter bushing is one of the most effective ways to ensure your vintage 6V electrical system remains reliable. A worn bushing allows the starter shaft to move out of alignment, which often results in the "slow crank" symptom commonly mistaken for a weak battery. This OE-specification part is designed with the larger 16.5mm outer diameter required to seat firmly in early 6V gearboxes.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility This bushing is correct for all air-cooled models originally equipped with a 6-volt electrical system and a 6V manual transmission:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966

VW Bus (Type 2):

• 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966

VW Type 3:

• 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966

Product Highlights & Features Self-Lubricating Material: Manufactured from oil-impregnated bronze or high-quality brass to provide smooth, low-friction support for the starter armature.

Precision Machined: Sized exactly to 16.5mm OD x 12.5mm ID to prevent the starter shaft from wobbling while ensuring a secure press-fit into the bell housing.

6V Identification: This bushing serves as a key identifier for early transmissions; if your bell housing hole is roughly 16.5mm, it was originally a 6V unit.

Essential for Maintenance: Most specialists recommend replacing this bushing every time the starter is removed or replaced to prevent premature starter failure.

Technical Specifications Part Number: 111-301-155

Outer Diameter: ~16.5mm

Inner Diameter: ~12.5mm

Material: Brass or Oil-Impregnated Bronze

Installation & Maintenance Tips The "Tap" Method: To remove an old bushing without dropping the transmission, many mechanics use a 12mm or 1/2" tap. Thread the tap into the old bushing; once it bottoms out against the transmission case, continue turning slowly to "pull" the bushing out of the hole.

Never Hammer Directly: When installing the new bushing, use a socket that matches the outer diameter of the bushing. Avoid hitting the bushing directly with a hammer, as you can mushroom the edge and prevent the starter shaft from fitting.

No Grease Needed: If using an oil-impregnated bronze bushing, do not apply heavy chassis grease. A drop of light machine oil is sufficient, as grease can trap clutch dust and turn into an abrasive paste.

Identify Conversions: If you are running a 12V starter in a 6V transmission, you do not use this part. You will need a special "conversion" bushing (part number 4027) which has the 16.5mm OD of this part but a smaller ID for the 12V shaft.

111301155