JP Group Front Spindle (Steering Knuckle) for Drum Brakes, Left or Right | VW Beetle 1966–1979 & Karmann Ghia 1966–1974 Ball Joint | OE 113 405 311 / 312 (JP-8676-0 / JP-8677-0)
Couldn't load pickup availability
JP Group Front Spindle (Steering Knuckle) for Drum Brakes, Left or Right — VW Beetle 1966–1979 & Karmann Ghia 1966–1974 (JP-8676-0 / JP-8677-0)
Short answer: JP-8676-0 (left) and JP-8677-0 (right) are new JP Group front spindles, also called steering knuckles or stub axles, for ball-joint VW Beetles 1966–1979 and Karmann Ghias 1966–1974 with front drum brakes. They replace VW OE 113 405 311 (left) and 113 405 312 (right), JP refs 8141401370 / 8141401380. Sold each.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1966–1979 | VW Beetle (standard, ball-joint front beam) | Front drum brakes; left = JP-8676-0, right = JP-8677-0 (per EMPI) |
| 1966–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | Front drum brakes only |
| 1966–1968 | Early ball-joint Beetle / 1966 Ghia | Confirm by chassis number; early cars may need 1969-and-later tie rod ends, wheel bearings and seals |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle (MacPherson strut) | Does not fit. EMPI lists the right spindle for Super Beetle, but strut cars use a different strut-housing knuckle. We have not confirmed that entry |
| 1966–1974 | Karmann Ghia with front disc brakes | Does not fit: disc cars use spindle 113 405 311 D / 312 D |
| 1949–1965 | Link-pin (king-pin) Beetle & Ghia | Does not fit |
Specifications
| Spec | Left | Right |
|---|---|---|
| Part number | JP-8676-0 | JP-8677-0 |
| OE reference | 113 405 311 | 113 405 312 |
| JP Group reference | 8141401370 | 8141401380 |
| UPC | 707924540079 | 707924540086 |
| Brake type | Drum (4x130 drum and backing plate mount) | |
| Suspension | Ball joint front beam, stock height | |
| Condition | New | |
| Sold as | Each (one side) | |
| Shipping weight | 8 lb estimate (EMPI lists 2.73 lb, which we think is low) | |
What's Included
- One front spindle (steering knuckle) for the side you choose
Not Included
- Upper and lower ball joints, control arms
- Brake backing plate, wheel cylinder, shoes, drum
- Wheel bearings, races, grease seal, spindle nut and clamp nut
- Tie rod end
Why It Matters
The spindle carries the whole front corner: the wheel bearings run on its stub, the brake backing plate bolts to it, and the ball joints and tie rod locate it. A spindle that is bent from a curb strike, has a worn or scored bearing stub, or has a damaged ball-joint taper will cause wheel shimmy, uneven tire wear, wandering, pulling under braking and bearings that will not hold their adjustment. Used spindles are getting scarce and many have been heated, welded or chewed up by seized bearings. A new spindle gives you a straight, true mounting surface for a fresh front-end rebuild. Heritage Parts Centre sells a Brazilian 113 405 311 E left spindle; this is the JP Group version.
Installation Notes
- Support the car on stands under the frame head or beam, never under the spindle you are removing.
- Use a proper ball-joint separator; do not hammer on the spindle taper.
- Clean and inspect the ball-joint tapers and seat the joints dry, then torque the nuts to the factory figure in your workshop manual.
- Install new inner and outer wheel bearings and a new grease seal, pack the bearings, and set bearing play with the clamp nut as the manual describes.
- Have the front end aligned (toe, and camber on the upper ball joint eccentric) after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it fit my 1972 Beetle?
Yes, if it is a standard (torsion-beam, ball-joint) Beetle with front drum brakes. It does not fit a 1972 Super Beetle.
Left or right — how do I tell?
Left is the US driver side (JP-8676-0, OE 113 405 311). Right is the passenger side (JP-8677-0, OE 113 405 312). The steering arm points toward the rear on both sides.
Is this the same as OE 113 405 311 E?
JP Group cross-references JP-8676-0 to 113 405 311. The E suffix is the later supersession used by many sellers for the same drum spindle.
Will it work with disc brakes?
No. Disc brake cars use a different spindle with caliper mounting ears.
What else do I need?
Wheel bearings, a grease seal, and usually ball joints and a tie rod end while it is apart.
Is it new or rebuilt?
New, supplied by JP Group through EMPI.
Explore Related Categories
Suspension Brakes & Components VW Beetle Parts VW Karmann Ghia Parts
California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and/or lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
