VW IRS Torsion Bar Spring Plate Caps — Refurbished Original German, Powder Coated (Beetle, Super Beetle, Ghia IRS) | #R22

Refurbished original German IRS torsion bar spring plate caps — the steel caps that close out the rear torsion bar housing on Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) VW Beetles and Karmann Ghias. Sold as a pair. Inspected, stripped, and powder coated semi-gloss black for corrosion resistance. Original German factory parts. Part #R22.

What spring plate caps do and why they matter

On a VW IRS rear suspension, the torsion bars run laterally through the chassis inside steel housings. At each outboard end of the housing, a steel cap retains the torsion bar splines and forms a sealed boundary against moisture and debris. The factory caps look simple but are precision-fit — they have to seal cleanly, locate the torsion bar correctly, and stay rust-free for decades.

After 50+ years, factory IRS caps are typically rusted, pitted, or damaged from removal during past suspension work. Replacement during any IRS rear suspension rebuild — drop conversion, torsion bar replacement, axle service — is the right call. Original German caps are the proper choice; reproduction caps vary in quality and fit.

Specifications

• Condition: Refurbished original German OEM
• Prep: Stripped, inspected, powder coated
• Finish: Semi-gloss black powder coat with high temperature resistance
• Sold as: Pair
• Application: IRS rear torsion bar housing outboard caps
• Part number: #R22

Fitment

• VW Beetle (Standard, IRS rear): 1968–1979 (the IRS transition started for 1969, with some 1968 cars equipped)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979
• VW Karmann Ghia (IRS rear): 1969–1974

Will NOT fit: Swing axle rear suspension. Swing axle uses different torsion bar housing geometry — these IRS-specific caps don't fit. For swing axle applications, look at our swing axle spring plate caps (sold separately by year range).

FAQ

How do I know if my Beetle is IRS or swing axle?
Look at the rear wheels with the car on level ground. IRS cars keep the rear wheels mostly vertical (or slightly negative camber on lowered cars). Swing axle cars show visible inward camber that changes dramatically when you jack the car up. The transition was the 1969 model year for Beetle and Karmann Ghia.

Will these work on my Super Beetle?
Yes. All Super Beetles (1971–1979) used IRS rear suspension. The torsion housing geometry is the same as Standard Beetle IRS, so the caps fit.

Do they include the inner seals or bushings?
No, this is the steel caps only. Inner bushings, seals, and torsion bar splines are separate parts.

What's the heat resistance of the powder coat for?
The rear suspension area sees significant heat from the brakes, exhaust, and engine. Standard powder coat can discolor or fail under heat exposure. High-temp powder coat holds its finish over the life of the car.

Can I install these myself?
Yes, if you're already doing IRS rear suspension work. Installing the caps in isolation requires accessing the torsion housing, which is most efficient during a broader rear suspension service.

Why German originals over reproductions?
Dimensional accuracy and material thickness. Reproduction caps often don't seal cleanly, allowing moisture and dirt into the torsion bar splines — which then accelerate wear of the splines themselves. The cost of original German caps is cheap insurance against a much more expensive torsion bar problem later.