Mahle Main Bearing Set - .50mm Case / Std Crank 111 198 471 BR

Mahle VW Main Bearing Set (.50mm Case / Std Crank) – 111 198 471 BR

The Mahle 111-198-471BR Main Bearing Set is the professional choice for engines that have undergone a first-step align bore. This specific set is engineered for an engine case that has been machined .50mm (.020") oversized, while still utilizing a standard 55.00mm diameter crankshaft. It maintains the standard 22.00mm thrust width, making it the specific set required when the case saddles were worn but the crankshaft journals remained within factory standard specifications.

As a primary supplier for Volkswagen, Mahle bearings provide the exact tolerances needed to restore oil pressure and engine longevity. These bearings are built with a high-strength backing and a precision-applied overlay that handles the thermal expansion and load demands of performance 1200cc to 1600cc engines.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility

This bearing set fits the following models with .50mm oversized cases and standard crankshafts continuously across these years:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 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:

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

VW Bus (Type 2):

• 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971

VW Type 3:

• 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

Product Highlights & Features

• Precision Machined Fit: Specifically sized for a 65.50mm case bore (OD) and a 55.00mm crank journal (ID).

• Standard Thrust Surface: Retains the factory 22.00mm thrust width, compatible with standard crankshaft thrust surfaces.

• Advanced Metallurgy: Mahle’s specialized bearing alloy offers superior embedability, allowing small particles to sink into the bearing material rather than scoring the crankshaft.

• Engine Builder’s Standard: The most trusted brand for air-cooled VW bottom-end components, ensuring consistent quality and sizing.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-198-471BR

• Case Bore (OD): 65.50mm (.50mm Oversize)

• Crank Journal (ID): 55.00mm (Standard)

• Thrust Width: 22.00mm (Standard)

• Engine Fitment: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Type 1 Based Engines

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Confirm Machining: Ensure your machinist has specifically align-bored the case to 65.50mm. Using these in a standard 65.00mm case will prevent the case halves from closing, while using them in a 1.0mm oversized case will lead to immediate oil pressure loss.

• Oil Hole Alignment: Always double-check that the oiling holes in the bearing shells align perfectly with the oil galleries in the engine case. Blocked oil flow is the leading cause of "spun" bearings during initial break-in.

• Dry Fit First: It is highly recommended to "dry fit" the crankshaft in the case with the new bearings and torque the case to spec (without sealant) to ensure the crank spins freely by hand before final assembly.

• Cleanliness: Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the bearing saddles and the backs of the bearings. Any debris trapped behind the bearing shell will create a "high spot" that can lead to localized overheating and bearing failure.

** Please Note: These bearing are not for an uncut case, these are for use with a case that has had its first line bore cut. If unsure of your bearing needs please contact us to confirm before buying!**

111198471BR