T25,T4,T5,T6,G1,G2,G3 Crankshaft Main Bearing Thrust Washer Set

This main bearing thrust washer set controls crankshaft end float on a wide range of Volkswagen water-cooled petrol and diesel engines. The thrust washers sit either side of the crankshaft’s thrust bearing and limit forward and backward movement of the crank under clutch load and engine operation.

Worn thrust washers are a common but often overlooked cause of excessive crank end float, clutch engagement issues, erratic idle, oil pressure problems, and in severe cases serious bottom-end damage. Replacing them during an engine rebuild or when excessive end float is detected is essential for long-term reliability.

What the part does and how it works

As the clutch is pressed and released, axial (side-to-side) force is applied to the crankshaft. The thrust washers absorb this load and maintain correct crankshaft positioning within the engine block. Correctly sized thrust washers ensure:

• Stable crankshaft alignment

• Correct clutch operation

• Reduced wear on main bearings and crank journals

• Long engine service life

Once worn, the crank can move excessively, accelerating wear on the block and bearings—making timely replacement critical.

Key details

• Main bearing thrust washer set

• Designed to control crankshaft end float

• Suitable for petrol and diesel VW water-cooled engines

• Ideal for engine rebuilds or end-float correction

Fitment overview

Type 25 / T3

• Diesel engines: KY, JX

Corrado

• All 4-cylinder engines: KR, PG, 9A, 2E, ADY

Golf Mk2 (1987–1992)

• 1.6–1.8 petrol & diesel

• Engine codes including: EZ, GU, RV, KR, PL, RP, RF, PB, RH, PN, PF, JP, ME, JR, MF, RA

Golf Mk3 / Mk3 Cabriolet

• 1.4–2.0 petrol & diesel

• Engine codes: AEX, AEE, AAM, ADY, ADZ, ABF, AEK, AFT, AEP, AGG, ACC, 1Y, 1Z, AFN, AAZ, AEY

Golf Mk4

• 1.4–2.0 petrol & diesel

• Engine codes: AHQ, AKQ, APE, AXP, ATN, AUS, AZD, AGN, AGU, AUM, AGP, AQM, AGR, ALH, AHF, ASV, ATD, AJM, AUY, ARL

Transporter

• T4: 1.9–2.0 petrol & diesel (AAC, ABL)

• T5: 1.9 diesel & 2.0 petrol (AXA, AXC, AXB, CAAA, CAAB, CAAD, CAAE, CAAC, CFCA)

Additional applications

• Scirocco (1984–1992)

• Volkswagen Corrado

• Polo Mk1 & Mk2 (1982–1994)

When to replace thrust washers

• During engine rebuilds

• Excessive crankshaft end float detected

• Clutch-related knocking or movement

• Oil pressure inconsistencies caused by crank movement

Recommended related parts

When fitting thrust washers, consider checking or renewing:

• Main bearing shells

• Crankshaft bearings

• Clutch components (especially on high-mileage engines)

• Crankshaft end float measurement shims (where applicable)