How to Remove the Front Hub on a '68 Bug

The Volkswagen Bug--actually called a Type 1--began development in 1932 when Ferdinand Porsche produced a prototype of a vehicle with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine for a company called NSU. The first actual Volkswagen prototype came in 1936. Held up because of World War II, the Type I began actual production in 1945. All Type 1 vehicles prior to 1971 use drum brakes at all four wheels. The front hub is part of the brake drum and contains the inner and outer wheel bearings. A special "clamp nut" is used to retain the hub.

Instructions

1

Park the Bug on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel. Raise the front of the Bug with a jack and support it with jack stands. Finish removing the wheel.

3

Use a flat screwdriver to pry off the dust cap in the center of the hub. This will expose the clamp nut on the end of the spindle.

4

Use a metric Allen key to loosen the set screw on the side of the clamp nut.

5

Use a metric wrench to remove the clamp nut.

6

Remove the flat washer that holds in the outer wheel bearing. Remove the outer wheel bearing.

7

Slide the hub off of the spindle.