EMPI Clutch Pilot Bearing | Air-Cooled VW Type 1, 2, 3, Ghia & Thing (98-1272-B)

The pilot bearing supports the tip of the input shaft in the end of the crankshaft (gland nut). It's a few dollars, it goes in during every clutch job, and a worn one causes noise and hard shifting — never reuse the old one. This is the EMPI pilot bearing (98-1272-B) for air-cooled VW.

Features

• Clutch pilot bearing (needle bearing)
• Supports the transmission input shaft in the gland nut
• Replace during every clutch service

Fitment

Confirmed fitment: Air-cooled VW Type 1 (Beetle), Type 2 (Bus), Type 3, Karmann Ghia and Thing using the gland-nut pilot bearing. Verify against your crankshaft/gland-nut setup.

Specifications

Questions & Answers

Do I need to replace this with my clutch? Yes — it's standard practice to fit a new pilot bearing during any clutch job.

What's the part number? EMPI 98-1272-B.

Are you an authorized dealer? Yes — Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer.

⚠️ WARNING (California Prop 65): 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.