Clevite MS822A Main Bearing Set for VW Air-Cooled (Type 1 / Beetle / Karmann)

Vehicle Fitment

• 1960-1980 Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1)
• 1960-1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type 14)
• 1961-1973 Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback/Fastback/Notchback)
• 1968-1979 Volkswagen Transporter / Bus (Type 2 with upright Type 1 engine)
• 1973-1974 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)

Fitment Notes

• Fits all VW air-cooled Type 1 flat-four engines: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc
• Standard size (STD) -- for standard crankshaft journals
• Crank journal diameter: 2.164" (54.95mm)
• Case bore diameter: 2.559" (65.0mm)
• Thrust measurement: 0.864" (22mm)
• Also available in undersizes: .010" (MS822A10), .020" (MS822A20), .030" (MS822A30)
• Recommended for engines with cast crankshafts

Features

• Clevite AL-Series bi-metal aluminum silicon construction
• 100% lead-free aluminum silicon bearing material (AL-5)
• 60% more silicon than comparable competitive replacements
• Superior seizure resistance and wear resistance
• Better conditioning of journal surfaces over time
• Internally grooved split center main bearing design
• Full groove style on upper and lower halves
• Application-specific eccentricity for reliable oil film distribution

Specifications

• Part Number: MS822A (MS-822A)
• Series: Clevite AL-Series
• Type: Main bearing set
• Bearing Material: AL-5 (bi-metal aluminum silicon, lead-free)
• Size: Standard (STD)
• Crank Journal: 2.164" / 54.95mm
• Case Bore: 2.559" / 65.0mm
• Thrust: 0.864" / 22mm
• Groove: Full groove, upper and lower
• Quantity: Set of 4
• OE#: 111198461M, 111198461, 111198461T, 111198461BR
• UPC: 027067856791

Included Components

• 4x AL-5 bi-metal aluminum silicon main bearing halves (2 pairs)

Product Description

The Clevite MS822A is an AL-Series main bearing set for 1960-1980 Volkswagen air-cooled Type 1 flat-four engines in standard size. The set covers all displacement variants from the 1200cc through 1600cc, fitting the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Thing, and Transporter/Bus models equipped with the upright Type 1 engine. The AL-5 bi-metal aluminum silicon construction is 100% lead-free and contains 60% more silicon than comparable replacements, delivering superior seizure resistance, wear resistance, and improved journal surface conditioning.

The softer, more conformable nature of aluminum makes these bearings ideal for OEM-style rebuilds and mild performance applications, particularly in engines running cast crankshafts where the AL-Series excels. Each bearing features an internally grooved, full-groove design on both upper and lower halves for consistent oil distribution. Application-specific eccentricity is factory-set for reliable oil film performance under real-world operating conditions. Available in .010", .020", and .030" undersizes for machined crankshafts.