Billet Front Hub, for Combo Spindle, 5 On 205mm

High-Performance Billet Front Hub for Combo Spindles

When you''re building a dedicated off-road machine or a lightweight drag racer, every ounce of unsprung weight matters, and the EMPI Billet Front Hub is engineered to deliver maximum strength without the bulk of a full braking system. This precision-machined hub is specifically designed for enthusiasts running heavy-duty combo spindles who do not require front brakes, such as in sand rail, woods buggy, or specialized competition applications. By utilizing high-grade billet aluminum, this hub provides a rock-solid mounting point for your classic 5 on 205mm "Wide 5" wheels, ensuring that your front end remains light, nimble, and incredibly durable under the harshest conditions. Whether you''re carving through dunes or launching off the line, this hub offers the reliability you need when standard components just won''t cut it.

The beauty of this billet hub lies in its simplicity and its uncompromising construction. CNC-machined to exacting tolerances, it eliminates the flex and weight associated with cast iron rotors or drums, providing a clean, professional look to your front suspension. It is important to note that this is a specialized component intended solely for combo spindlesthe industry standard for high-performance off-road front ends. Because it is designed for a "no-brake" setup, it allows for a significantly narrower profile and reduced rotational mass, which translates directly to improved steering response and suspension travel efficiency. When you choose Appletree Automotive for your drivetrain needs, you''re getting a part that has been vetted by specialists who understand the unique demands of the air-cooled and off-road community.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This billet hub is a specialized aftermarket component. It is NOT a direct replacement for stock Volkswagen spindles. It is designed exclusively for vehicles equipped with Combo Spindles (typically featuring a larger bearing diameter than stock). Common applications include:

• Custom Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Equipped with aftermarket Combo Spindle front ends.
• Woods Buggies: Utilizing heavy-duty long-travel suspension setups.
• Manx-Style Buggies: Modified with off-road specific combo-spindle beam assemblies.
• Drag Racing Volkswagens: Using combo spindles for weight reduction and wheel versatility.
• Note: Will NOT fit standard King Pin spindles.
• Note: Will NOT fit standard Ball Joint spindles.

Technical Specifications

• Material: High-Strength 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum.
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Classic VW Wide 5).
• Spindle Requirement: Fits Combo Spindles ONLY.
• Application: Front Hub, Non-Braked (Brakeless) setups.
• Finish: Natural Machined Billet.
• Bearing Races: Pre-installed or machined for standard combo-bearing sets.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each).
• Weight: Approximately 5.15 lbs (Lightweight design).

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. Verify Your Spindle Type Before Ordering

One of the most common mistakes in the VW world is misidentifying spindles. A "Combo Spindle" is a specific aftermarket hybrid that combines the strength of various designs to use larger, more durable bearings. If your spindle has the standard small-diameter snub found on a stock Beetle, this hub will not seat correctly. Always measure your spindle snout diameter and compare it to combo-bearing specifications to ensure a perfect fit. Installing this on the wrong spindle isn''t just a fitment issue; it''s a safety hazard that can lead to catastrophic bearing failure.

2. Proper Bearing Packing and Torque

Since this hub is made of billet aluminum, heat dissipation is excellent, but proper lubrication is still vital. Even though you aren''t running brakes, the bearings in these hubs endure high RPMs and lateral loads. Use a high-quality, high-temp red grease and ensure the races are seated perfectly. When tightening your spindle nut, follow the "set and back off" method: tighten to seat the bearings while spinning the hub, then back off just enough so the thrust washer can be moved with a screwdriver tip using firm finger pressure. Don''t over-torque, or you''ll risk galling the aluminum hub body or overheating the bearings.

3. Lug Bolt and Stud Maintenance

When mounting your 5 on 205mm wheels to a billet aluminum hub, it is critical to use the correct hardware. If your hub uses threaded holes for lug bolts, ensure you have sufficient thread engagement (usually at least 1.5 times the diameter of the bolt). We highly recommend using a small amount of anti-seize on the threads to prevent the steel bolts from seizing in the aluminum over time. Check your torque specs after your first few miles of driving, as aluminum can "settle" slightly under the load of the lug seats. Keeping these tight ensures your "Wide 5" wheels stay exactly where they belongbolted securely to your rig.