Swing Axle Boot, Blue, for Beetle & Ghia 48-68, Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the drivetrain of your vintage Volkswagen, the swing axle boot is a critical component that often goes overlooked until you see a puddle of gear oil on your garage floor. These EMPI Blue Urethane Swing Axle Boots are engineered to provide a superior seal compared to standard rubber replacements, offering both a custom look and enhanced durability. The accordion-style design allows for the significant range of motion required as your rear suspension travels through its arc, ensuring that your transaxle fluid stays inside where it belongslubricating your differential and axle bearingswhile keeping road grime, water, and debris out. Whether you are restoring a classic 1950s Beetle or keeping a rugged dune buggy on the trails, these boots provide the peace of mind that your gear oil levels will remain consistent and your drivetrain protected.

One of the greatest advantages of this specific boot kit is its user-friendly installation process. These are split-style boots, meaning you do not have to undergo the grueling and time-consuming process of removing your entire axle, brake assembly, and bearing housing just to replace a cracked or leaking boot. The kit comes complete with all necessary hardware, including the specialized screws and nuts to secure the seam and high-quality steel hose clamps for the ends. The vibrant blue urethane material is not just for show; it is specifically formulated to be resistant to ozone, oil, and extreme temperatures, which typically cause standard black rubber boots to crack and fail prematurely. By upgrading to these urethane boots, you are choosing a long-lasting solution that adds a pop of color to your undercarriage while maintaining the mechanical integrity of your air-cooled VW''s rear suspension.

FITMENT

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

SPECS

• Material: High-density Blue Urethane
• Boot Style: Split-seam accordion design for "on-car" installation
• Color: High-visibility Blue
• Kit Contents: Two (2) boots, two (2) large clamps, two (2) small clamps, and seam hardware
• Hardware: Zinc-plated screws and nuts for seam closure
• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to transmission fluid, gear oil, and environmental UV/Ozone
• Compatibility: Fits standard 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc swing axle applications

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Seam Orientation is Key

When installing split boots, the orientation of the seam is vital for a leak-free experience. As a master air-cooled tech, I always recommend "clocking" the seam so that it faces toward the rear of the vehicle, slightly above the horizontal centerline (roughly at the 2 o''clock or 10 o''clock position depending on the side). This prevents the seam from being the primary point of stress during suspension compression and keeps it away from the direct spray of water and road debris kicked up by the front tires. Before tightening the seam hardware, ensure the axle and transaxle surfaces are 100% free of oil and grease; use a shot of brake cleaner on a rag to wipe the mating surfaces so the urethane can grip properly.

2. Don''t Over-Tighten the Seam Hardware

It is a common mistake to crank down on the small nuts and bolts that hold the split seam together. Because these are made of urethane, over-tightening can actually cause the material to "pucker" or distort between the bolt holes, which creates a gap where gear oil can weep out. You want the seam to be snug and the edges of the urethane to meet flush. Once the hardware is tight, I recommend applying a thin bead of Permatex Ultra Black or a similar oil-resistant RTV silicone along the outer edge of the seam for an extra layer of protection. Let the sealant cure for 24 hours before you take the car out for a drive to ensure the seal is permanent.

3. Check Your Transaxle Breather