Volkswagen Spindles 101

When it comes to Classic Volkswagen spindles, accurate information is surprisingly hard to find in one place. Whether you're restoring a vintage Beetle, lowering a Ghia, or lifting a Thing, knowing the exact details about your VW's spindle setup is critical to doing it right the first time. That's why the PROs at Airkewld have compiled this complete guide — to walk you through the ins and outs of VW spindle tech by model, type, and performance need.

VW Models Covered in This Guide

• Type 1 – Beetle, Bug, Fusca

• Type 14 – Karmann Ghia

• Type 181 – Thing, Safari

• Type 2 – Split Window Bus, Kombi, Samba

• Type 3 – Squareback, Notchback, Fastback

• Type 34 – Razor Ghia

Type 1 & Type 14 (1949–1965): Link Pin Front Ends

Stock Spindles

These early models feature a two-piece king pin and link pin front end design. The spindle (or steering knuckle) rotates on a pressed king pin inside a carrier, also known as the yolk.

Stock spindles have an inner OD of 24.90mm and an outer OD of 19.80mm.

Key components include:

• Thrust washer (steel)

• Fiber wafer shim

• Centering cap

The carrier houses steering stops and link pin bushings, allowing the suspension to cycle smoothly as the control arms move up and down.

Note: Factory spindles during this era were forged, ensuring strength and durability.

Drop Spindles for Link Pin (Type 1 & 14)

All aftermarket drop spindles lower the car 2.5" (63.5mm). Here's how they differ:

Cast Iron Drop Spindles

• Most affordable, often imported from China

• Brands include AC Industries, CB Performance, and EMPI

• Typically use chromoly spindle shafts, though some may have cast shafts (not recommended)

• Add ~10mm (⅜”) to overall track width

• Available in:

  • Drum brake configuration (Compatible with Airkewld Disc Brakes)

  • Two Disc brake versions ( One for Ghia-style calipers, and two, for Wide 5 (5x205mm) with Escort-Style calipers) A majority of these spindles were built on the premise that you were going to use factory Karmann Ghia calipers from the 1966 and later models. When these spindles were created, the original designers, CB Performance, swapped out the spindle shaft to a 1969 and later Beetle & Ghia shaft that uses 28.90mm inner bearings, 17.40mm outer bearings and 111405641B seal.

Forged Drop Spindles

• Best option in terms of strength and performance

• Available only through EMPI (originals by Century Distributors and Airkewld no longer in production)

• No increase in track width

• Available in:

  • Drum

  • Ghia-style disc

  • EMPI Wilwood 4-piston disc setup

• Made in China

Welded Drop Spindles

• Custom fabrication (TIG weld preferred over MIG)

• Vary widely in quality depending on the fabricator

• Suitable for DIYers with equipment but not recommended for casual builds

Type 1 & Type 14 (1966–1968): Ball Joint Front Ends

Stock Spindles

• Factory forged with bearing sizes:

  • Inner bearing: [26.90mm]

  • Outer bearing: [17.40mm]

  • Seal: Part number [131405641A]

Drop Spindles

• Require bearing/seal/tie rod end updates to 1969+ spec

• Airkewld offers complete kits to make installation plug-and-play

Compatibility

• Available in Drum, Ghia Disc, and Wide 5 Disc (Escort-style caliper)

• Bearing specs:

  • Inner: [28.90mm]

  • Outer: [17.40]

  • Seal: [insert]

Construction options are identical to earlier models: Cast, Forged, or Welded.

Type 1 & Type 14 (1969–1977) + Mexican Beetles (1978–2004)

Stock Spindles

• Forged, using:

  • Inner bearing: [28.90mm]

  • Outer bearing: [17.40mm]

  • Seal: [111405641B]

Drop Spindles

Same construction and compatibility notes as above. Most drop spindles for this era assume Ghia-style calipers, or in wide 5 setups, Escort-Style calipers.

Type 181 (VW Thing / Safari)

The Type 181 spindles are unique:

• Built-in 3.5" (89mm) lift

• Forged

• Only compatible with Type 181 trailing arms, ball joints, and eccentrics

Type 2 (1955–1967): Split Window Bus

Stock Spindles

• Complex assembly with:

  • Spindle

  • King pins

  • Link pins

  • Seals

  • Bearings

  • Stops and races

Year-Specific Notes:

• 1955–1963: Stepped spindle shaft

  • Inner bearing OD: [29.90mm]

  • Outer bearing OD: [24.90mm]

• 1964–1967: Tapered shaft

  • Inner bearing OD: [31.65mm]

  • Outer bearing OD: [18.93mm]

• 1968–1975 Brazilian Split Bus uses the same specs as late German models.

As of 2025, no new reproduction spindles exist. Select components may be available from BBT or Wolfsburg West.

Dropped or Flipped Spindles

• Flipping the spindle drops ~3.5" (89mm)

• Requires:

  • Tie rod relocation

  • Type 2 Bay Window tie rod ends (1968–1979)

  • Reinforced machining for safety

Welded Spindles

• Available from select builders

• Drop height customizable (1" to 5")

• Do your homework — fabricator experience matters.

Type 3 (Squareback, Notchback, Fastback, Razor Ghia)

Stock Spindles

• Two variants:

  • 1963–1968

  • 1969–1973 (different bearings and tie rod specs)

Drop Spindles

• Rare and discontinued

• Developed only by berT3 in Belgium

• No current production available

• Reference thread: [Link to TheSamba.com thread]