Wheel Bearing Dust Cap, Left Side with Speedo Hole Late

OVERVIEW

Protecting your front wheel bearings is a critical maintenance task that is often overlooked until it is too late. This EMPI Wheel Bearing Dust Cap is specifically engineered for the driver''s side (left) of your air-cooled Volkswagen, featuring the essential pass-through hole for the speedometer cable. When you are running an aftermarket disc brake conversion, a standard OEM cap often won''t provide the precise fitment needed to seal out road grime, moisture, and abrasive debris. This heavy-duty stamped steel cap ensures that your high-temperature wheel bearing grease stays exactly where it belongsinside the hubpreventing premature bearing failure and keeping your spindles spinning smoothly for thousands of miles. Whether you are daily driving your Beetle or taking your Ghia on a cross-country trek, having a secure, properly seated dust cap is the first line of defense for your front suspension geometry.

It is vital to note that this specific dust cap is designed as a high-quality replacement for aftermarket disc brake rotors and is not intended for use with stock OEM drums or factory-original rotors. Because aftermarket rotor castings often feature slightly different hub bore depths and diameters, this EMPI 22-2943-B cap is the go-to solution for enthusiasts who have upgraded their stopping power. The integrated speedometer hole is precision-punched to allow the square-end speedo cable to seat perfectly into the spindle, ensuring your odometer and speedometer readings remain accurate. Finished with a corrosion-resistant coating, this cap resists the harsh environments of the wheel well, from salt spray to heat cycles, making it an indispensable part of any front-end rebuild or disc brake maintenance project.

FITMENT

This dust cap is designed for "Late" model air-cooled Volkswagens equipped with aftermarket disc brake rotors. Please verify your rotor part number before ordering.

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Compatible Aftermarket Rotor Part Numbers: 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

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-2943-B
• Position: Front Left (Driver''s Side)
• Material: Heavy-duty Stamped Steel
• Feature: Pre-drilled Speedometer Cable Access Hole
• Compatibility: Aftermarket Disc Rotors ONLY (Will not fit OEM stock rotors or drums)
• Finish: Zinc-plated or Corrosion-resistant coating for longevity
• Weight: Approximately 0.25 lbs

PRO TIPS

Proper Installation Without Distortion

When installing a new dust cap, never strike the center of the cap directly with a hammer. Doing so will dent the dome, potentially interfering with the spindle nut or the speedometer cable, and can break the grease seal. Instead, use a large socket or a piece of pipe that matches the outer diameter of the cap''s shoulder. This allows you to tap the cap evenly into the hub bore. A thin film of grease on the leading edge of the cap can also help it slide into place without galling the metal, ensuring a moisture-tight friction fit.

Speedometer Cable Clearance and Lubrication

Before snapping the dust cap into place on the left side, ensure your speedometer cable is properly routed through the spindle and that the square drive end is protruding correctly. It is a great practice to apply a small dab of white lithium grease to the square end of the cable where it passes through the dust cap hole. This reduces friction and prevents the cable from binding against the cap, which is a common cause of "needle bounce" on your speedometer or premature cable breakage. Always double-check that the small C-clip or cotter pin is securely fastened to the cable end once it is through the cap.

Grease Volume Management

Many builders make the mistake of packing the dust cap completely full of grease before installation. You should leave a small amount of "air space" inside the dome of the cap. As your wheel bearings heat up during operation, the grease expands. If the cap is 100% full, the internal pressure can actually push the cap off the hub or force grease out past the rear inner seal and onto your brake rotors. Only apply enough grease to coat the spindle nut and the end of the spindle to prevent corrosion, leaving the majority of the cap''s volume empty to allow for thermal expansion.