Combo Spindle Bearing, Outer

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your off-road rig to the limit in the dunes or across jagged desert terrain, your front-end components take a massive amount of abuse. The EMPI Combo Spindle Bearing (Outer) is engineered specifically to handle the unique stresses of heavy-duty off-road racing and recreational sand rail applications. Unlike standard Volkswagen factory spindles, "Combo" spindles utilize a much beefier 2-inch hollow design that requires specialized bearings to match the increased surface area and load-bearing requirements. This outer bearing is the critical link that ensures your spindle-mount wheels or combo-bearing hubs rotate with minimal friction while resisting the lateral forces generated during high-speed cornering and hard landings. If you''re building a high-performance front end for a Baja Bug or a tube-chassis buggy, this is the precision-ground component you need to keep your steering smooth and your spindles protected from galling or catastrophic failure.

Quality matters when it comes to rotational components, and this EMPI part # 17-2798-0 delivers the reliability that Appletree Automotive customers have come to expect for decades. These bearings are designed for a specific "Combo" fitment, meaning they are intended for use with aftermarket high-strength spindles rather than stock Beetle king pin or ball joint setups. Because they are tapered roller bearings, they are far superior at managing both radial and axial loads compared to cheaper alternatives. Whether you are running a set of spindle-mount drag wheels or a heavy-duty off-road wheel setup, these bearings provide a tight, consistent fit that prevents "wheel walk" and maintains alignment integrity under the most grueling conditions. Don''t risk a weekend-ending failure by using worn-out or inferior bearings; upgrade to these EMPI units to ensure your front-end geometry remains stable and your hub assembly remains securely seated on the spindle snout.

FITMENT

This outer bearing is designed for specialized aftermarket "Combo" spindles and is not a direct replacement for standard factory VW spindles. It is commonly found on the following vehicles and setups:

• Custom Sand Rails: All models utilizing 2.0-inch "Combo" style front spindles.
• Baja Bugs: Vehicles converted to heavy-duty off-road front ends with aftermarket combo spindle kits.
• Dune Buggies: Manx-style or tube-chassis buggies running spindle-mount wheels.
• Woods Buggies: High-clearance off-road rigs requiring reinforced front-end components.
• Spindle Mount Wheels: Specifically for wheels designed to accept the 1.0005" ID outer bearing.

SPECS

• Part Number: 17-2798-0
• Brand: EMPI
• Spindle Type Compatibility: 2-inch "Combo" Spindles only.
• Outer Diameter (OD): 2.052 Inches.
• Inner Diameter (ID): 1.0005 Inches.
• Bearing Type: Tapered Roller Bearing.
• Material: High-carbon chromium bearing steel for maximum durability.
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• GTIN: 707924360516.
• Quantity: Sold individually (two required per vehicle).

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. The "Palm Pack" Greasing Method

Never install these bearings "dry" or with just a light coating of grease on the outside. To ensure long life, you must "pack" the bearing. Place a large glob of high-temperature, high-pressure wheel bearing grease in the palm of your hand and tap the wide edge of the bearing into the grease until it squirts out through the top of the rollers. This ensures the internal cage is fully lubricated. If you don''t see grease coming out of the small end of the taper, you haven''t packed it deep enough, and the bearing will likely overheat within the first few miles of use.

2. Proper Pre-load Adjustment

Setting the tension on a combo spindle is different than a standard car. You want to tighten the spindle nut while spinning the wheel/hub until you feel a slight drag. This seats the bearing and race perfectly. Once seated, back the nut off about a 1/4 turn (or just enough to align your locking mechanism) until the wheel spins freely with zero "clunk" or play when you shake the wheel from top to bottom. Over-tightening a combo bearing is the fastest way to "blue" the spindle and weld the bearing to the snout.

3. Inspect the Race Every Season

When you replace your outer bearing, you should always inspect the race (the outer cup) inside the wheel or hub. If the race shows any signs of "pitting," "ridging," or a "blued" discolored tint from heat, it must be replaced along with the bearing. Installing a new bearing into a scarred or worn race will cause the new part to fail prematurely. For off-roaders, we recommend cleaning and re-packing these bearings after every major desert trip or mud event to flush out contaminants that can act like sandpaper inside the roller assembly.