Front Wheel Seal, for King Pin, Beetle 46-65, Ghia 56-65

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the safety and performance of your vintage air-cooled Volkswagen, the front wheel seal is a small component that plays a massive role. Designed specifically for the king pin front ends found on early Beetles and Karmann Ghias, this EMPI front wheel seal serves as the primary barrier between your wheel bearing grease and your brake system. In the world of drum brakes, grease is the enemy of friction; if your old seals are brittle or leaking, centrifugal force will eventually sling grease onto your brake shoes, leading to dangerous brake fade, pulling, or total loss of stopping power. This high-quality replacement ensures that your lubricant stays exactly where it belongsinside the hubprotecting both your expensive bearings and your ability to stop on a dime.

Restoring a classic VW requires attention to detail, and skipping the wheel seals during a brake job or bearing repack is a mistake no master mechanic would make. These seals are engineered to withstand the heat and rotational friction generated during long highway hauls while keeping road grime, water, and dust from entering the inner bearing race. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration on a 1954 Oval Window or simply keeping your 1963 daily driver Ghia on the road, using a fresh set of 111-405-641A seals is cheap insurance against catastrophic bearing failure. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that "good enough" isn''t in the vocabulary of a true VW enthusiast, which is why we provide components that meet or exceed original factory specifications for fit and durability.

FITMENT

This front wheel seal is designed exclusively for the Type 1 King Pin (link pin) front suspension. It will not fit later Ball Joint models (1966 and later) or Super Beetles. Please verify your vehicle year and suspension type before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965.
• VW Karmann Ghia (Type 14): 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965.

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-405-641A
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Application: Front inner wheel hub grease seal.
• Suspension Type: King Pin / Link Pin front ends only.
• Material: High-grade nitrile rubber with a reinforced steel inner casing for structural integrity.
• Inner Diameter: Optimized for early VW spindle diameters.
• Quantity: Sold individually (two required per vehicle).
• Compatibility: Fits original equipment (OEM) and most aftermarket front brake drums.

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Press-Fit Installation

Never attempt to drive a new wheel seal into the hub using only a hammer, as this often deforms the metal casing or tears the rubber lip. To ensure a perfectly square installation, use a dedicated seal driver tool or a large socket that matches the outer diameter of the seal casing. Tap gently around the edges until the seal sits flush with the hub surface. If the seal goes in crooked, it will create a gap that allows grease to escape and moisture to enter, defeating the purpose of the replacement entirely. Always clean the inner hub seat thoroughly with brake cleaner before pressing the new seal home.

2. Inspect the Spindle Wear Surface

A common mistake is installing a brand-new seal onto a damaged spindle. Before sliding your hub back onto the spindle, inspect the area where the seal lip rides. If you see a deep groove or "pitting" on the metal surface, a new seal may still leak. If the damage is minor, you can often polish it out with very fine emery cloth (400-600 grit). However, if the groove is deep enough to catch your fingernail, you may need to install a "Speedi-Sleeve" or replace the spindle to ensure a proper seal. A smooth mating surface is just as important as the seal itself.

3. Lubricate the Lip Before Assembly

One of the fastest ways to ruin a new wheel seal is to install it "dry." When you first start driving, the friction between a dry rubber seal and a dry spindle can generate enough heat to melt or char the rubber lip within the first few miles. Before you slide the hub onto the spindle, take a small amount of high-temp wheel bearing grease and smear it around the inner circumference of the seal lip. This provides vital lubrication during those first few rotations, allowing the seal to properly "seat" and break in without being damaged by excessive heat or friction.