King Pin Adapter Bearing Outer, Ball Joint Rotor to King Pin

OVERVIEW

Upgrading your classic air-cooled Volkswagen to a modern disc brake system is one of the single most important safety and performance modifications you can perform. However, a common hurdle for owners of early King Pin front ends is the discrepancy in spindle and rotor dimensions between early and late models. This EMPI King Pin Adapter Bearing is the precision-engineered solution that allows you to seamlessly install high-performance 1966-and-later Ball Joint style brake rotors onto your rugged 1965-and-earlier King Pin spindles. By utilizing this specialized outer bearing, you bridge the gap between vintage suspension architecture and modern stopping power, ensuring your Beetle, Ghia, or custom rail remains safe and controllable in today''s traffic conditions.

Crafted to exacting tolerances, this adapter bearing is designed to handle the increased heat and rotational stress associated with disc brake conversions. It features a specific inner diameter to match the early King Pin spindle snout while maintaining an outer diameter that fits perfectly into the race bore of a standard late-model rotor. When you are building a high-performance street car or a weekend sand rail, you cannot afford to compromise on wheel bearing integrity. This component is a critical link in your front-end assembly, providing the smooth rotation and structural stability necessary for precise steering and consistent braking performance. Sold individually, this bearing is a must-have for any enthusiast looking to modernize their front end without swapping out the entire beam.

FITMENT

This adapter bearing is specifically designed for VW enthusiasts performing a disc brake conversion on the following vehicles equipped with original King Pin front ends:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1946 through 1965 (King Pin Models)
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (King Pin Models)
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any chassis utilizing a King Pin style front beam and spindles.
• Note: This is the OUTER bearing; it must be used in conjunction with the appropriate inner adapter bearing to complete a late-model rotor installation.

SPECS

• Part Number: 17-2796-0
• Application: Outer Bearing for Ball Joint Rotor to King Pin Spindle Conversion
• Outer Diameter (OD): 1.570 Inches
• Inner Diameter (ID): .7875 Inches
• Material: High-Carbon Hardened Steel
• Bearing Type: Tapered Roller Bearing
• Finish: Precision Ground and Polished
• Quantity: Sold Individually

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use a Hydraulic Press for Race Installation

When installing the race into your new ball joint rotor, never attempt to drive it in with a hammer and a punch. This method can easily cock the race or create microscopic burrs in the rotor hub, leading to premature bearing failure or wheel wobble. Use a hydraulic press and a dedicated race driver tool that matches the diameter of the race. This ensures the race is seated perfectly flat and bottomed out against the shoulder of the hub, which is vital for maintaining proper wheel alignment and bearing longevity.

2. Thoroughly Pack the Bearing with High-Temp Grease

Disc brakes generate significantly more heat than old-school drum brakes, especially during spirited driving or long descents. It is imperative that you use a high-quality, high-temperature disc brake wheel bearing grease. Do not simply smear grease on the outside of the rollers. Use a bearing packer tool or the traditional hand-packing method to force grease deep into the cage and between every single roller. If you see "dry" spots inside the bearing after installation, you haven''t used enough grease.

3. Don''t Forget the Inner Adapter Counterpart

Many builders make the mistake of ordering only one side or only the outer bearings. To successfully mount a late-model 1966+ Ball Joint rotor onto a pre-1966 King Pin spindle, you require both a specialized inner adapter bearing and this specialized outer adapter bearing. Check your spindle snouts for any scoring or "bluing" from heat before installation. If the spindle surface is damaged, the new bearing will not seat correctly, which can lead to catastrophic failure. Always replace your inner grease seals at the same time to protect your new investment from road grime and moisture.