EMPI Throw-Out Bearing Super Clips — Heavy-Duty, Pair | VW Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia & Type 3 1954–1970 (32-1208-0)

EMPI Throw-Out Bearing Super Clips — Heavy-Duty, Pair (32-1208-0)

On an early VW, two small spring clips are all that hold the throw-out bearing onto the clutch fork. When they weaken, the bearing rattles, walks off the fork and leaves you with a pedal that goes to the floor, usually far from home, and the engine has to come out to fix it. EMPI 32-1208-0 is a pair of heavy-duty Super Clips that grip harder than the stock clips. Fit them every time the engine is out for a clutch job.

Key Features & Benefits

• Heavy-duty spring clips: more clamping force than stock, so the bearing stays locked to the fork.
• Direct replacement: replaces the stock clips (OE 111-141-177AS) on early-style throw-out bearings.
• One pair per bearing: both clips for one clutch job.
• Engine-out insurance: it costs almost nothing now, compared with pulling the engine again later.
• Genuine EMPI: sold by Washburn's Metal.

Fitment

These clips fit the early-style (unguided) clutch throw-out bearing used in air-cooled VW swing-axle and early IRS transaxles through the 1970 model year.

• CONFIRMED (EMPI: "All 54-70"): VW Beetle 1954–1970, Karmann Ghia 1956–1970, Type 1 and Type 2 Bus 1954–1970, and Type 3 1962–1970.
• CONFIRMED by design: dune buggies, Baja Bugs and sand rails running a 1970-or-earlier transaxle with the early throw-out bearing.
• NOT CONFIRMED: 1949–1953 cars (some dealers list them, EMPI starts at 1954). Clips do NOT fit any 1971-on guided throw-out bearing (Beetle, Super Beetle, Bus, Type 3, Thing).

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 32-1208-0 (single clip: 32-1208-B)
• Type: Throw-out (clutch release) bearing retaining clips, heavy duty
• OE Reference #: 111-141-177AS
• Quantity: Pair (2 clips)
• Fits: Early-style unguided throw-out bearing, 1954–1970
• UPC: 707924362947
• Country of Origin: Taiwan
• Shipping Weight: 0.1 lb
• Package Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 1 in

Installation Notes

• The engine has to be out. While it is out, check the clutch fork (cross-shaft) bushings for play and the fork fingers for wear.
• Hook each clip into the bearing's groove first, then spring it over the fork finger. They are stiff, so use pliers and eye protection.
• Rock the bearing on the fork by hand. It should pivot with no free play and no rattle.
• Set clutch free play at the pedal after the engine goes back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will these fit my 1968 VW Beetle? Yes. They fit the early-style (unguided) throw-out bearing used on all air-cooled VWs through the 1970 model year, and a 1968 Beetle uses that bearing.
• Do they fit a 1971 or later VW? No. From 1971 VW used a guided throw-out bearing on a guide sleeve, which does not use these clips. See EMPI 32-1210-B.
• Why replace the clips? The clips hold the throw-out bearing onto the clutch fork. Worn stock clips let the bearing wobble or drop off the fork, which means a dead clutch pedal and pulling the engine. These spring clips hold noticeably tighter than stock.
• Do I need these if I buy a new bearing? Check the box. EMPI's 32-1205-B bearing ships with Super Clips. Many other bearings, including used and German OE ones, do not.
• How many come in the pack? A pair, which is one bearing's worth (two clips).
• What is the part number? EMPI 32-1208-0 (pair). The single clip is 32-1208-B (OE 111-141-177AS). UPC 707924362947.
• How does it ship? As a normal parcel, about 0.1 lb in a 6 x 5 x 1 in package. It is not hazmat and has no ground-only restriction. It is set up as backorder-OK: if it is not on our shelf, we order it from EMPI and ship when it arrives.

Explore Related Categories

Doing the clutch? See the EMPI early-style throw-out bearing (32-1205-B), Sachs throw-out bearing (32-1206-B), Drivetrain & Transmission and the full EMPI Parts catalog.

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.