Small nut wheel seal and bearing install

[VWLady]

There are a couple of other really good posts on this but the pictures were not hosted on theSamba and are now missing.

With advice from hazetguy I finished this project on my 1957 deluxe and thought I would make a post with pictures.

Here are the components used in the rear wheel bearing on a small nut (3/4 ton) transmission.

I got the kit from Wolfsburg West. Missing in the picture is the large O-ring that came in the package since that is not used in this application.


This is the bearing cap and seal. The wider "washer" from the kit is the oil slinger and will sit loosely between the top of the oil seal and the bearing cap.

This is how it will be inserted into the bearing cap.

This lip is where the oil seal will rest when it is fully seated.

Here is how it will be assembled, In this picture the seal is not fully seated.

I used a small amount of bearing grease to make the seal installation a bit easier. Here the seal is fully seated. The oil slinger washer will be loose in it's space at the bottom of the cap.

It goes without saying that you should try to clean up all the pieces before disassembly. Here is the bearing cap and the oil weep hole should any oil get past the seal. Be sure to clean out any gunk here too.

Here is the stub axle where the thin spacer will sit. The outer bearing rides against this.

Notice the inner spacer has an inner taper on one side. This must be installed so the taper sits against the curved surface of the stub axle.

Once the outer reduction box half is installed, these components can be installed. Here is a picture before the RGB cover is installed, of the components in their proper order and orientation. It was easier to photograph them before I installed the cover than with it in place.

Once the outer RGB cover was installed I installed the thin spacer (inner taper facing in) and slid the bearing into place. I had to carefully tap it into place in the RGB cover until it was fully seated.

Next the smaller spacer washer was slid on against the bearing.

Next was a lightly lubricated small o-ring

Next was the bigger spacer with the inner taper facing the o-ring. It is this joint that is fully sealed when the brake drum is tightened to it's final torque. If you do not have the drum installed and fully torqued, you will have a leak!

Last I made a sandwich of one paper gasket, the brake backing plate and a second paper gasket. I used some gasgacinch sealant on both sides of both paper gaskets.

Finally the bearing cover (with the seal and large oil slinger washer already installed) was slid on. I tightened the four bolts and their spring washers in an "X" pattern and did the final torque to 45 ft lbs.

I added the three nuts and washers to hold the upper brake adjusting stars, and the long bolt and lock washer that holds the wheel cylinder at the bottom.

I have the brakes and e-brake cable to install and then the drum. I'll do the final torque of the brake drum once the transmission is back in the bus.

[21-window]

Thanks for that.

So I'm getting ready to do a big nut this weekend. Is it a similar setup?

[BulliBill]

Nice job! Great explanation and clear, sharp photographs! Thanks!

Bill
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I'm looking for these license plate frames from old Volkswagen dealerships for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[VWLady]

['64cal lookdub]

I've heard some people say don't use the thin spacer in the kit that the o-ring sits against. Something about it not being thick like the originals and tearing up the o-ring. I've used them in the past though.

[Who.Me?]

[Scorcho]

For a small nut bearing, do you guys happen to have a part number I could go off? I ordered one through AutoZone and the inner diameter is too big so im thinking it is for a big nut axle?
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1963 Bus
1982 Vanagon

[VWLady]

FAG 311501283 Wheel bearing 1602

[Scorcho]

https://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-...27991_1651

so after googling it I saw it fits a late 70s BMW 320i and when I searched for this vehicle on amazon this different bearing came up-ill update to see if it fits!
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1963 Bus
1982 Vanagon

[VWLady]

[Scorcho]

Made the mistake of working on another project as I was waiting on parts for this and now I'm confused how it all went back together and hoping to get some help

The part that I am holding in my hand-the 45 degree chamfered side goes pointing toward the backing plate side of the axle or the other way?

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1963 Bus
1982 Vanagon

[campingbox]

That is a ‘63 1-ton specific part.

I’ve always put the chamfer facing out which I believe it correct but I have seen it facing in before and it was working fine and sealed up fine.

[swharris]

[avocado_tom]

Pro tip:

If you want to make something to push your seal into the bearing cap (when using a vise), a 2.5" hole cutter will allow you to cut a piece of wood that is just the right size to push in the seal.
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"You realists can stay the hell out of our office." - D. Dudas

[thom]

SCVW used to make these (I have one, and it's great) - I just did the seals on my deluxe last weekend

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-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

[thom]

And this is the "diagram" I've ever seen for this (rotated so it fits on the screen better)

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-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

[avocado_tom]

[avocado_tom]

[RWK]

In any seal install, make sure that the mark on the spacer where the seal rides isn't a groove, i.e. worn, plainly visible in previous pic. sometimes it can be polished out but at the risk of reducing sealing dia.
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73 Type 181
63 Type 113
63 Type 261- 428 071
62 Type 241-378 025 178 530

[62DoKaGuy]