111-701-263 VW Beetle, Ghia & Bus Shift Rod Bushing Retaining Clip

VW Shift Rod Bushing Retaining Clip – 111-701-263

The 111-701-263 is a small but vital spring steel wire clip that serves as the primary locking mechanism for the shift rod bushing. While the metal hanger (111-701-255B) holds the bushing in place vertically, this clip wraps around the hanger and the bushing to ensure the nylon insert cannot slide out of the bracket during gear changes. Without this clip, even a brand-new bushing can work its way out of the guide, leading to an immediate return of "sloppy" shifting and potentially leaving you unable to find gears.

Often referred to as a "lock ring" or "tension clip," this part is frequently lost or bent during removal. Because it is made of spring steel, it is designed to maintain constant pressure, but heat and age can cause it to lose its tension. Replacing this clip whenever you replace the 111-701-259A bushing is highly recommended to ensure the entire shift linkage remains secure and responsive for thousands of miles.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility This retaining clip is used across a wide range of air-cooled models:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

VW Super Beetle:

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

VW Bus (Type 2):

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

VW Type 3:

• 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

VW Thing:

• 1973, 1974

Product Highlights & Features

• Spring Steel Construction: Manufactured from high-tensile wire that snaps firmly into place and resists deforming under the stress of shifting.

• Corrosion Resistant: Usually finished with a zinc or clear coating to prevent rust inside the often-damp chassis tunnel.

• Precision Fit: Designed specifically to match the outer diameter of the 111-701-259A nylon bushing and the thickness of the 111-701-255B metal hanger.

• Restores Tightness: Ensures the bushing remains centered, eliminating the metallic "clank" associated with loose shift rods hitting the hanger.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-701-263

• Material: 2mm Spring Steel

• Diameter: Approx. 27mm OD / 23mm ID

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Orientation: The clip should be installed so that it "straddles" the metal hanger, with the ends of the wire snapping into the recessed groove on the nylon bushing.

• Tricky Install: Accessing the tunnel through the shifter hole is tight. Many owners find it helpful to use a pair of long-nose pliers or a hooked tool to pull the clip over the bushing.

• Double Check: After snapping it on, try to wiggle the bushing by hand. It should have zero front-to-back movement.

• Lubrication: While the clip itself doesn't need grease, ensure you don't get excessive grease on the mounting surface of the hanger, as this can make the clip more prone to slipping during installation.

111701263