VW Beetle Spring Plate Grommets — BUGPACK Urethane, Smooth/Round, 1-7/8" I.D., Small O.D., Red, Pair | Beetle & Ghia Swing Axle thru 1959 (B6-5881-3)
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BUGPACK Urethane Spring Plate Grommets — 1-7/8" I.D., Small O.D., Red, Pair (B6-5881-3)
Short answer: BUGPACK B6-5881-3 is a pair of red urethane smooth/round rear spring plate grommets, 1-7/8 in I.D. with the small O.D., for early swing-axle VW Beetles (12/1947–07/1959) and Karmann Ghias (08/1955–07/1959), inner and outer positions. Urethane resists the crushing and bottoming out of soft stock rubber. Two pairs do both rear sides. Made in the USA.
Part numbers: BUGPACK B6-5881-3 / B658813 (short B6-5881). Same-size black version: B6-5882-3. Equivalent-size EMPI pair: 16-5134-0. UPC 707924457087.
Vehicle Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–1959 | VW Beetle swing axle | Inner and outer, to 07/1959 (EMPI catalog; dealers list 1949–1959) |
| 1956–1959 | VW Karmann Ghia swing axle | Inner and outer, 08/1955–07/1959 |
| Not confirmed | 1960-and-later swing-axle cars | Later cars use different grommet sizes; measure first |
| Not confirmed | IRS cars, Type 3, Bus | IRS cars use the large-O.D. B6-5881-2 |
It ships as a normal parcel and is set up as backorder-OK: if it is not on our shelf, we order it from EMPI and ship when it arrives.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | BUGPACK B6-5881-3 (B658813) |
| Type | Smooth/round spring plate grommet |
| Inside diameter | 1-7/8 in (1.875 in) |
| Outside diameter | Small (early swing axle) |
| Material / color | Urethane, red |
| Quantity | Pair (2 grommets) |
| Softer alternative | BUGPACK B6-5882-3 (black) |
| UPC | 707924457087 |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Shipping weight | 0.35 lb |
| Package dimensions | 12 x 6 x 2 in |
What's Included
Included:
- 2 red urethane smooth/round spring plate grommets
Why It Matters
If the back of an early swing-axle Bug clunks over driveway lips, wanders on the highway, or sits crooked no matter how you set the spring plates, the rubber grommets that locate the torsion bars have probably turned to mush. Urethane doesn't crush or bottom out like soft stock rubber, so the spring plate stays where it belongs.
Installation Notes
- The spring plate is under load. Support the car on stands and use a proper spring plate tool or jack to unload it before you remove the cover bolts.
- Mark the spring plate and torsion bar positions before disassembly so you can put the ride height back, or reset it to your spec.
- Clean the rust and old rubber out of the housing, and lightly coat the grommet bore with a urethane-safe (silicone or lithium) grease so it doesn't squeak.
- Urethane is firm, so a little extra force is needed to seat the cover. Draw the bolts down evenly and in steps.
- Re-check rear alignment and ride height after the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the BUGPACK B6-5881-3 fit a 1957 VW Beetle? Yes. EMPI catalogs the same-size small-O.D. grommet (black version B6-5882-3) for the Type 1 swing axle, inner and outer, December 1947 to July 1959, and dealers list B6-5881-3 for 1949–1959 Beetles and Karmann Ghias.
- Will these spring plate grommets fit my 1966 Beetle? NOT CONFIRMED. Later swing-axle and IRS cars use different grommet sizes (for example 1-3/4 in I.D., or the large-O.D. B6-5881-2 for IRS). Measure the torsion bar end and the housing, or match your old grommet, before ordering.
- How many spring plate grommets do I need? A pair is two grommets. Each rear side uses an inner and an outer grommet on early cars, so a complete rear job (both sides) takes two pairs.
- Why urethane instead of rubber spring plate grommets? Soft stock rubber crushes and lets the spring plate clunk and bottom out. Urethane holds the spring plate firmly for sharper, more predictable rear handling. The trade-off is a slightly firmer ride and more road feel.
- Is there a softer version? Yes. BUGPACK makes the same small-O.D. grommet in black urethane (B6-5882-3), which some owners pick for a softer ride.
- What is the part number? BUGPACK B6-5881-3 (also written B658813). UPC 707924457087. BUGPACK is EMPI's performance brand.
Explore Related Categories
Doing the rear suspension? Browse Suspension Parts, VW Beetle Parts, Karmann Ghia Parts and All Air-Cooled VW Parts.
Prop 65 Warning
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.
