Rear Axle Seal, fits Beetle & Ghia 46-79, Bus 50-67

OVERVIEW

Maintain the integrity of your classic Volkswagen''s drivetrain with the high-quality IAP Rear Axle Seal. This critical component is designed to keep your gear oil where it belongsinside the transmission and bearing housingsand away from your brake shoes. Whether you are running a traditional Swing Axle setup or a later-model Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) configuration, these seals are the primary line of defense against messy leaks that can ruin your braking performance and leave unsightly oil spots on your driveway. Over time, heat and friction cause original rubber seals to harden and crack; replacing them with these fresh, resilient units ensures a tight fit and long-lasting protection for your vintage ride.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that precision is everything when it comes to air-cooled maintenance. This seal, part number 113-501-315H, is engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, providing a reliable fit for Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 applications. In an IRS setup, these seals are utilized both on the inner side of the trailing arm near the CV joint and on the outer side beneath the four-bolt bearing cap. For Swing Axle owners, it serves as the outer seal behind the brake backing plate. Because a leaking seal often leads to oil-soaked brake linings, replacing these during any brake service or axle boot replacement is a smart, proactive move that saves time and money in the long run.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 - 1979 (All Models)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 - 1974
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1950 - 1967 (Split Window Models)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 - 1974
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 - 1979

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-501-315H
• Material: High-grade Nitrile Rubber (NBR) with internal metal reinforcement
• Seal Type: Spring-loaded lip seal for superior oil retention
• Inner Diameter: Optimized for standard Type 1 and Type 2 stub axles/spacers
• Outer Diameter: Precision fit for rear bearing carrier housings
• Application Type: Fits both Swing Axle and IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)
• Quantity Required (Swing Axle): 2 total (1 per side)
• Quantity Required (IRS): 4 total (2 per side)

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect the Sealing Surface for Grooves

Before installing your new seal, meticulously inspect the metal surface of the axle spacer or stub axle where the seal lip rides. Over decades of use, the old seal can actually wear a physical groove into the metal. If you install a brand-new seal onto a grooved surface, it will likely leak almost immediately. If a groove is present, you may need to replace the spacer or use a "speedy sleeve" to restore a smooth, cylindrical surface for the new rubber to grip. Always lubricate the inner lip of the new seal with a small amount of gear oil or assembly lube before installation to prevent "dry start" friction damage.

2. Use a Proper Seal Driver for Installation

Never attempt to hammer the seal into place by striking the rubber or the metal casing directly with a hammer. This can distort the seal''s shape or dislodge the internal tension spring, rendering it useless. Instead, use a dedicated seal driver tool or a large socket that matches the outer diameter of the seal casing. This allows you to apply even pressure across the entire circumference, ensuring the seal sits perfectly flush and square within the housing. A crooked seal is a guaranteed leak point.

3. Replace the Entire Kit for Total Security

While the seal itself is often the culprit for leaks, it is rarely the only part that needs attention. When you have the rear drums pulled, we highly recommend replacing the large and small O-rings found inside the bearing housing, as well as the paper gaskets located behind the four-bolt bearing cap. These components work as a system to contain the gear oil. Replacing only the seal while leaving old, flattened O-rings in place is a shortcut that often leads to having to tear the entire assembly apart again a few months later. Do the job once, do it right, and keep your brakes dry!