Axle Spacer Kit, for Swing Axle

OVERVIEW

If you have ever struggled with a persistent oil leak from your rear drums despite replacing the seals multiple times, you are likely dealing with worn-out axle spacers. The EMPI Axle Spacer Kit for Swing Axle transmissions is the definitive solution for restoring the integrity of your rear assembly. Over decades of service, the original factory spacers often develop deep grooves or "pitting" where the seal lip rides. This wear creates a path for gear oil to bypass the seal, leading to messy wheels and compromised braking performance. These hardened steel spacers are engineered to provide a perfectly smooth, durable surface that ensures your rear main seals can do their job effectively, keeping the oil inside the transaxle where it belongs.

Beyond simply stopping leaks, these spacers play a critical role in the structural stack-up of your rear suspension. In a swing axle setup, the axle nut applies massive clamping force through the drum, the spacer, and the bearing to secure the entire assembly. Soft or mushroomed original spacers can lead to "loose" hubs, which eventually destroys the splines on your axles and drums. By upgrading to this EMPI kit, you are investing in hardened components that resist deformation under the extreme torque loads required for Volkswagen rear ends. Whether you are restoring a classic Beetle or building a high-performance woods buggy, these spacers provide the precision fitment and longevity that air-cooled enthusiasts demand from Appletree Automotive.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years equipped with Swing Axle rear suspension (Standard up to 1968 in USA).
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: All years equipped with Swing Axle rear suspension (Standard up to 1968).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Early models equipped with Swing Axle.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: All Swing Axle configurations.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style buggies utilizing a VW Swing Axle transaxle.
• Note: Not compatible with IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) models.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 5045-10 (Cross-reference: 16-2401-0)
• Material: High-grade hardened steel for maximum wear resistance.
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (Set of 2) to service one complete vehicle.
• Finish: Precision machined surface for optimal seal contact.
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for VW Swing Axle rear ends.
• Function: Replaces OEM part number 111-501-303.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. The Fingernail Test: Before installing your new seals, run your fingernail across the surface of your old spacers. If you feel even the slightest "catch" or groove, the spacer is junk. Even a brand-new seal cannot compensate for a grooved spacer; the oil will eventually find its way through that microscopic gap. Replacing these spacers is cheap insurance against having to pull your rear brakes apart again in six months because of a gear oil leak.

2. Proper Torque is Non-Negotiable: When reassembling your rear hub, the 36mm axle nut must be torqued to a minimum of 217 ft-lbs. If you don''t get this tight enough, the spacer can actually spin or vibrate against the bearing, which leads to rapid wear and potential axle failure. Always use a high-quality torque wrench or a "Torque Meister" tool to ensure you hit the factory specification. Don''t forget to install a new cotter pin to lock it all down!

3. Lubricate the Seal Surface: While these spacers are hardened and precision-ground, you should never install them "dry" against a new rubber seal. Apply a thin film of clean gear oil or a light dab of assembly grease to the outer diameter of the spacer where the seal lip will ride. This prevents "dry start" friction heat from burning the new seal lip during the first few miles of driving, ensuring a long-lasting, leak-free seal. Check your transaxle fluid level after installation, as you likely lost some oil during the swap.