I am working on replacing the oil seal as part of refreshing the rear hubs and brakes on my 64 Beetle project. I am hoping to rely on everyone's experience here. In the Bentley workshop manual, VW says "The outer spacer must neither be scored, cracked nor show signs of rust." Unfortunately, my outer spacer does not seem to meet that standard. I've posted a high resolution picture of my outer spacer along with the Bentley diagram for clarification. I'm referring to item number 10 on the diagram. Question is: could/should I re-use the outer spacer I have? I already took some 400 grit sand paper to the thing, but the thing is so pitted I was reluctant to do anything more than a light polish. Thanks for the feedback.

You may be able to get away with reusing it if the surface the seal touches is ok,  it does look pretty rough,  if someone had a good used set I would grab them up

Replace it.  You have it off already. Why take the chance that you would have to do the job over. Be sure to put the larger rubber "0 ring" over the brg.  first, THEN the paper gasket.

Quote from: Ret.Bugtech on November 30, 2012, 08:04:42 AM

Quote from: travisyoung on November 30, 2012, 06:01:53 AM

You may be able to get away with reusing it if the surface the seal touches is ok,  it does look pretty rough,  if someone had a good used set I would grab them up

Be sure to put the larger rubber "0 ring" over the brg.  first, THEN the paper gasket.

That answers another question!!! I had that one a little backwards.

Does anyone know a good source for those and perhaps a 14?

Here is another little trick . Do you ever wonder why there are sometimes 2 paper gaskets in one seal kit ?  Put one between the backing plate and the axle housing and the other over the brg/0- ring as usual .  This doesn't effect anything and it doesn't keep the lube in, it keeps water etc. from leaching in from the backside . I like to use Permatex aviation sealer on both gaskets . Messy but effective .  By the way, all of this applies just to "swing axle" tranny's only.