Wheel Bearing Dust Cap,Right Side

OVERVIEW

When you are upgrading your classic air-cooled Volkswagen with a modern disc brake conversion, the smallest details often make the biggest difference in long-term reliability. The EMPI Wheel Bearing Dust Cap for the right side is a critical component designed specifically to protect your high-performance wheel bearings from the harsh elements of the road. Whether you are cruising the coastal highways in a vintage Beetle or tearing up the dunes in a custom rail, your front wheel bearings are constantly under siege from fine sand, moisture, and road grime. This heavy-duty steel dust cap provides a precision-engineered seal that keeps your high-temp wheel bearing grease inside the hub where it belongs, while creating an impenetrable barrier against contaminants that cause premature bearing failure and costly spindle damage.

It is absolutely vital to understand that this is not your standard factory replacement part for a stock drum brake setup. EMPI engineered this specific dust cap to interface perfectly with their aftermarket disc brake rotors, ensuring a snug, vibration-resistant fit that OEM caps simply cannot provide. Because the tolerances on aftermarket disc brake conversions differ from the original 1950s and 60s factory specifications, using the correct part number is the only way to guarantee a leak-proof seal. This right-side cap is solid, designed for the passenger side of the vehicle where a speedometer cable drive is not required. By choosing this genuine EMPI component, you are investing in the "peace of mind" that comes with knowing your front-end assembly is shielded by the industry leader in VW performance parts.

FITMENT

This dust cap is designed for the Right Side (Passenger Side) only and is specifically for use with aftermarket disc brake conversions. It fits the following models when equipped with compatible EMPI disc brake rotors:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965.

REQUIRED ROTOR COMPATIBILITY: This cap is designed to work ONLY with the following rotor part numbers: 22-2961-B, 22-3861-B, 98-4002-B, and 22-2967-B. It will NOT work on OEM stock rotors or factory drums.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI.
• Part Number: 22-2942-B.
• Position: Right Side (Passenger Side).
• Construction: Heavy-gauge stamped steel for maximum durability.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant plating to prevent rust in humid or coastal environments.
• Speedometer Provision: None (Solid cap for non-drive side).
• Application: Disc brake conversions using EMPI-style rotors.
• Weight: Approximately 0.25 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Installation Technique

Never use a standard hammer directly on the center of the dust cap. Doing so will dent the dome, which can actually cause the cap to interfere with the end of the spindle or the cotter pin on your wheel bearing nut. Instead, use a large deep-well socket that matches the outer diameter of the cap''s flange, or use a soft-face rubber mallet. This ensures the driving force is distributed evenly around the edge, seating the cap perfectly flush into the hub without compromising its structural integrity or aesthetic look.

2. The "Right vs. Left" Distinction

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, the dust caps are not interchangeable between sides. The left side (driver''s side) cap features a square hole designed to pass the speedometer cable through to the spindle. The right side cap (this part, 22-2942-B) is solid. If you accidentally install a left-side cap on the right, you leave your bearings exposed to dirt through that square hole. Always double-check that you are installing this solid cap on the passenger side to ensure a total seal for your grease reservoir.

3. Temperature and Grease Expansion

When you are packing your bearings, do not "over-stuff" the dust cap itself with grease. While it is tempting to fill every void, the grease needs a small amount of room for thermal expansion as the brakes and bearings heat up during heavy use. A light coating of grease on the inside of the cap is sufficient to prevent internal surface rust. If the cap is packed solid, the internal pressure can actually pop the cap off the hub while you are driving, leaving your bearings completely vulnerable to the elements. Seat it firmly, and check for any grease seepage after your first few miles of driving to ensure a perfect seal.