111-405-641B VW Beetle Front Wheel Seal (1968-1979) - 40x52/56x9

VW Front Wheel Bearing Seal – 111-405-641B

The 111-405-641B is a high-quality inner wheel bearing seal designed specifically for later-model air-cooled Volkswagens equipped with front drum brakes. This seal is located at the back of the front brake drum, where it slides over the spindle snout. Its primary role is to retain the high-temperature wheel bearing grease within the hub while acting as a vital shield against road grime, water, and brake dust that could otherwise contaminate the bearings.

Failure of this seal often results in grease leaking onto the brake shoes, which significantly reduces stopping power and can lead to dangerous "brake pull." The 111-405-641B features a dual-lip design and a specialized stepped profile (40x52/56x9mm) to ensure an airtight fit on the larger spindles used in 1968 and later models. Replacing these seals is a mandatory step whenever you pack your wheel bearings or replace your front brake drums.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility This seal is for "Ball Joint" style front ends with 4-lug drum brakes:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

VW Super Beetle:

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

Product Highlights & Features

• Stepped OD Design: Features a unique outer diameter profile of 52mm and 56mm to seat perfectly into the recessed bore of the 111-405-615B brake drum.

• Heat-Resistant Rubber: Molded from durable nitrile rubber (NBR) that maintains its shape and sealing integrity even under high temperatures.

• Dual-Lip Protection: Includes a primary sealing lip to hold grease and a secondary "wiper" lip to keep external contaminants away from the inner bearing.

• Precision Fit: Engineered to the exact 40mm inner diameter required to provide a snug, leak-free transition on the spindle shaft.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-405-641B

• Dimensions: 40mm (ID) x 52/56mm (OD) x 9mm (Width)

• Material: Nitrile Rubber with Steel Reinforcement

• Quantity: Sold Individually (Two required per vehicle)

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Seat It Squarely: When installing the seal into the drum, use a seal driver or a large flat-faced socket. It must sit perfectly flush and square to prevent premature wear.

• Lubricate the Lip: Before sliding the drum onto the spindle, apply a thin film of wheel bearing grease to the inner rubber lip of the seal to prevent "dry-start" friction.

• Check the Spindle: Inspect the area on the spindle where the seal rides for deep grooves or pitting, as a damaged surface can cause a new seal to leak.

• Avoid Over-Packing: Do not pack the entire cavity between the bearings full of grease. Excessive pressure from heat expansion can push the seal out of the back of the drum.

111405641B

111 405 641B