46mm Gland Nut Socket, for Oversized Flywheel & Bus Axle Nut

EMPI 46mm Gland Nut & Axle Nut Socket

When you are dealing with the high-torque requirements of a Volkswagen drivetrain, the last thing you want is a tool that fails under pressure. The EMPI 46mm Gland Nut Socket is a heavy-duty solution engineered specifically for the most demanding fasteners on your air-cooled machine. Whether you are tackling the massive rear axle nuts on a late-model Type 2 Bus or installing an oversized flywheel gland nut on a high-performance stroker engine, this socket provides the precise fitment and structural integrity needed to apply hundreds of foot-pounds of torque without rounding off your hardware. Designed with a 3/4-inch drive, it is ready to be paired with your longest breaker bars or a torque multiplier, ensuring that even the most stubborn, rusted-on nuts are broken loose with confidence and safety.

Reliability in the garage translates to reliability on the road, and this tool is a staple for any serious VW builder or shop owner. While standard 36mm nuts are common on many Beetles, high-performance applications and heavy-duty transporters require the extra surface area of a 46mm fastener to handle increased horsepower and weight. Using a standard adjustable wrench or an ill-fitting generic socket is a recipe for disaster in these high-stakes areas of the engine and suspension. This EMPI socket is forged to withstand the rigors of professional use, featuring a 6-point design that grips the flats of the nut rather than the corners, significantly reducing the risk of marring your expensive components. It is an essential investment for anyone working on Type 2 rear ends or custom engines where standard tools simply cannot make the grade.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1964 through 1979 (Rear Axle Nuts).
• High-Performance Engines: Compatible with aftermarket 46mm oversized flywheel gland nuts used on high-strength crankshafts.
• Custom Off-Road Vehicles: Fits Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing Type 2 rear torsion housings and stub axles.
• Transporter / Kombi / Campmobile: All models requiring a 46mm socket for hub or drivetrain maintenance.

Technical Specifications

• Socket Size: 46mm Metric.
• Drive Size: 3/4-Inch Square Drive (Requires 3/4-inch breaker bar or adapter).
• Socket Type: 6-Point (Hex) for maximum surface contact.
• Material: Heavy-duty forged alloy steel for extreme torque resistance.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant black oxide industrial finish.
• Primary Use: Removal and installation of flywheel gland nuts and rear axle nuts.
• Weight: Approximately 1.41 lbs.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

Pro Tip 1: When removing a rear axle nut on a Bus, the torque required can exceed 350 foot-pounds. To prevent the socket from slipping or tiltingwhich can result in serious injury or damage to the nutuse a jack stand to support the head of the breaker bar. Position the stand so the bar rests perfectly level, ensuring the 46mm socket remains completely flush against the face of the nut as you apply downward pressure. This ensures all the force is directed into the rotation rather than prying the socket off the nut.

Pro Tip 2: Always ensure the threads