Stock Style Axle Boot Kit, Solid Boot, No Split, Sold Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s drivetrain, the axle boot is a critical component that often gets overlooked until it is too late. The EMPI Stock Style Solid Axle Boot Kit is engineered for the purist and the performance enthusiast alike who demands a leak-proof seal that standard split-style boots simply cannot provide. Manufactured from high-quality, oil-resistant neoprene, these boots are designed to withstand the constant flexing and environmental abuse inherent in swing-axle suspension systems. Because this is a "solid" or "one-piece" design, there are no seams to fail, no tiny screws to vibrate loose, and no gaps for gear oil to seep through. This makes it the absolute gold standard for off-road racers, dune buggy enthusiasts, and daily drivers who want to do the job once and never worry about transmission fluid puddles on the garage floor again.

Installing a solid axle boot requires more labor than a split bootas the axle must be partially disassembled to slide the boot into placebut the rewards in longevity and reliability are well worth the effort. At Appletree Auto, we know that keeping your transaxle properly lubricated is the key to preventing expensive gear and bearing failure. This kit comes complete with heavy-duty steel hose clamps to ensure a tight, pressurized seal against the axle tube and the transmission housing. Whether you are restoring a vintage 1950s Beetle to factory specifications or building a high-horsepower sand rail that sees extreme suspension travel, these neoprene boots provide the flexibility and chemical resistance needed to keep your VW on the road or the trail for years to come.

FITMENT

This solid axle boot kit is designed specifically for Volkswagen swing-axle applications. It will not fit late-model Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) vehicles. Please verify your rear suspension type before ordering.

• Standard Beetle: 1954 through 1968 (Swing Axle models)
• Karmann Ghia: 1954 through 1968 (Swing Axle models)
• Bus / Type 2: 1955 through 1967
• Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback): 1962 through 1968
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models utilizing a VW Swing Axle transaxle

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-9917-0
• OEM Reference: 111-598-151
• Material: High-Grade Neoprene (Oil and UV Resistant)
• Design Style: Solid / Continuous (No-Split Construction)
• Application: Swing Axle Drivetrains
• Clamping System: Two (2) Heavy-Duty Steel Hose Clamps included
• Hardware: All necessary installation hardware provided
• Quantity: Sold Each (Two required per vehicle)

PRO TIPS

1. The "Warm Water" Installation Trick

Since these are solid, one-piece boots, they can be a bit stiff during installation, especially in colder climates. To make the neoprene more pliable and easier to stretch over the axle bell, soak the boot in a bucket of hot (not boiling) water for about five to ten minutes before you begin. This softens the material significantly, allowing it to slide into position with much less struggle. Once the boot cools down, it will shrink slightly for an even tighter, more secure fit against the mating surfaces.

2. Pre-Lubricate for a Smooth Slide

Before sliding the solid boot down the axle tube, apply a very light coating of fresh gear oil or a rubber-safe assembly lube to the inside lip of the boot and the axle tube itself. This prevents the rubber from "grabbing" or tearing on any burrs or rough spots on the metal. However, ensure that the areas where the clamps sit are wiped clean and dry before tightening the steel bands; you want the boot to slide into place easily, but you want the final clamped connection to be bone-dry to prevent the boot from walking or slipping under pressure.

3. Proper Clamp Orientation and Torque

When tightening your hose clamps, always position the "worm gear" or tightening mechanism so it does not interfere with the movement of the spring plates or the shock absorbers during full suspension travel. On a swing axle VW, the axle moves in a wide arc, and a poorly placed clamp can catch on nearby components, eventually tearing the boot or loosening the clamp. Tighten the clamps firmly to ensure a leak-proof seal, but avoid over-cranking them to the point where the metal band begins to "cheese-grater" or cut into the neoprene material.