Wheel Bearing Dust Cap, Right Side Late

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the longevity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s front-end assembly, the smallest components often play the most critical roles. The EMPI Wheel Bearing Dust Cap for the right side (passenger side) is a vital barrier designed to protect your high-performance wheel bearings from the relentless intrusion of road grime, moisture, and abrasive debris. Specifically engineered for use with aftermarket disc brake conversions, this "late" style dust cap ensures that your grease stays in and the contaminants stay out. Failing to maintain a solid seal at the hub can lead to premature bearing wear, spindle damage, and ultimately, an unsafe driving condition. By choosing this precision-stamped EMPI component, you are investing in the specialized hardware required to keep your Beetle, Bus, or Type 3 rolling smoothly whether you are cruising the local strip or navigating rugged off-road terrain.

It is absolutely essential to recognize that this is not a standard, one-size-fits-all replacement part for factory original equipment. This dust cap is purpose-built to interface with specific aftermarket disc brake rotors commonly used in performance upgrades and wide-five or four-lug conversion kits. Unlike the left-side (driver side) cap, this right-side version is solid and does not feature the square-hole cutout for a speedometer cable, providing a complete, airtight seal for the passenger side spindle. Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, it is designed to withstand the heat cycles generated by disc brake systems while maintaining a tight friction fit within the rotor hub. When you are building or servicing a custom VW front end, using the correct specialized hardware from Appletree Auto ensures that your "late" model suspension performs exactly as the engineers intended.

FITMENT

This dust cap is specifically designed for use with aftermarket disc brake rotors. It WILL NOT work on OEM stock drum brakes or stock factory disc rotors. It is compatible with the following EMPI and aftermarket rotor part numbers:

• Compatible Rotors: 22-2962-B, 22-2963-7, 22-2964-B, 22-2965-B, 22-3862-B, 22-3863-7, 22-3853-B, 22-3865-B, 98-4001-B, 98-4600-B, 98-4601-B, 98-1153-B

General Vehicle Application (When equipped with the above aftermarket rotors):

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1966 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1971 through 1979
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966 through 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using "Late" style spindles and aftermarket disc conversion hubs.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-2944-B
• Side Location: Right Side (Passenger Side)
• Speedometer Hole: None (Solid Cap)
• Material: Heavy-Gauge Stamped Steel
• Finish: Zinc Plated or Natural Steel for corrosion resistance
• Application Style: Late Model (Post-1966 spindle geometry)
• Weight: 0.25 lbs
• Outside Diameter: Precision machined for friction-fit in aftermarket rotor hubs
• Compatibility: Exclusively for aftermarket disc brake conversion kits

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Use a Dust Cap Driver or Large Socket

When installing your new EMPI dust cap, never strike the center of the cap directly with a standard hammer. Doing so will dent the dome, potentially causing it to contact the end of the spindle or the cotter pin, and it can weaken the friction-fit seal. Instead, use a dedicated dust cap installation tool or a large deep-well socket that matches the outer diameter of the cap''s flange. Gently tap the socket with a rubber mallet to seat the cap evenly into the rotor hub. This ensures a professional, airtight fit without compromising the structural integrity of the component.

Tip 2: Don''t Over-Pack the Cap with Grease

A common misconception among air-cooled enthusiasts is that the dust cap should be filled to the brim with wheel bearing grease. In reality, you only need a small amount of grease inside the cap to prevent internal corrosion. If you over-fill the cap, the hydraulic pressure created during installation can make it difficult to seat the cap fully, or worse, the heat expansion during braking can force the cap to pop off while you are driving. Focus your grease application on the bearings themselves and the cavity between them, leaving the dust cap mostly clear to act as a protective air-pocket and seal.

Tip 3: Verify Your Rotor Part Number First

Before ordering, it is critical to verify the part number of your disc brake rotors. Because the VW aftermarket is vast, different manufacturers use slightly different hub diameters. This cap is specifically clearanced for the EMPI-style rotors listed in our specs. If you are running original German stock rotors or an older "early" style conversion, this cap will not fit correctly. Always measure the inner diameter of your rotor''s hub bore if you are unsure; a "late" aftermarket disc hub requires this specific 22-2944-B cap to ensure the right side of your vehicle remains protected from the elements.