JP Group Rear Wheel Bearing Housing, Left or Right | VW Vanagon 1980–1991 2WD | OE 251 501 253 (JP-3145-0)
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JP Group Rear Wheel Bearing Housing — VW Vanagon 1980–1991, OE 251 501 253 (JP-3145-0)
Short answer: JP Group JP-3145-0 is a new rear wheel bearing housing, OE 251 501 253 (JP ref 1151100600), for the 1980–1991 VW Vanagon with 2WD and 14-inch wheels. It bolts to the end of the rear trailing arm, carries the rear wheel bearings and the stub axle, and fits either the left or right side. Sold each.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1991 | VW Vanagon 2WD incl. Westfalia (air-cooled 2.0, water-cooled 1.9 and 2.1) | Rear, left or right (EMPI) |
| 1979–1992 | VW Transporter T3 / T25 (ROW) | Same housing; EMPI notes "Except 2.5 Liter" (South African / late ROW 2.5 vans) |
| 1986–1991 | VW Vanagon Syncro, especially 16-inch Syncro | Does not fit / confirm first — Syncro uses a different rear hub and bearing carrier |
| Any | Vans with ABS | Does not fit per Heritage cross-reference |
| 1968–1979 | VW Bay Window Bus | Does not fit — Bus uses a different rear bearing housing |
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | JP Group JP-3145-0 |
| OE reference | 251 501 253 |
| JP Group reference | 1151100600 |
| UPC | 707924540956 |
| Position | Rear, left or right |
| Material | Cast metal housing |
| Condition | New |
| Sold as | Each |
| Shipping weight | Approx. 15 lb, 12 x 10 x 8 in (estimate, not yet measured) |
What's Included
- One rear wheel bearing housing
Not Included
- Inner and outer rear wheel bearings, spacer and seals
- Stub axle, brake backing plate, drum and brake hardware
- Housing-to-trailing-arm bolts, nuts and washers
- CV joints, CV bolts and boots
Why It Matters
On the Vanagon, the rear wheel bearings sit inside a separate cast housing bolted to the trailing arm. When a bearing fails and is driven on, it can spin in the bore and wear it oval, so a new bearing will no longer press in tight. Housings also crack, rust at the mounting faces, or get damaged by careless bearing removal. Symptoms of a worn housing include a new bearing that goes loose or noisy within a few thousand miles, a growl or rumble from one rear corner, play at the top of the wheel, grease weeping from the seal, or uneven brake shoe wear. If the bore is damaged, a new housing is the only safe repair. Owners often replace the housing during a full rear bearing service so they start with a fresh, true bore.
Installation Notes
- Press bearings in with the correct drivers and support; never hammer on the bearing cage.
- Fit new seals and the correct spacer, and pack bearings with high-temperature wheel bearing grease.
- Clean the trailing-arm mating face so the housing seats flat; corrosion here can throw off rear alignment.
- Use new nuts where the factory specifies them and follow the Bentley manual for torque and the axle nut procedure.
- Check CV joints and boots while the rear end is apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fit my 1984 Vanagon Westfalia?
Yes, if it is a 2WD van. EMPI lists it for 1979–1992 Vanagon/Transporter, rear left or right.
Left or right — how do I tell?
You do not need to. EMPI lists the same housing for both rear sides.
Does it fit a Syncro?
We do not recommend it for Syncro. Syncro rear hubs are different; send us your VIN if unsure.
Is this the same as OE 251 501 253?
Yes. JP Group cross-references JP-3145-0 to VW 251 501 253.
What else do I need?
Rear wheel bearings, seals, spacer, grease, and new housing bolts or nuts if yours are worn or rusted.
Is it new or rebuilt?
New JP Group, not a used or remanufactured housing.
How many do I need?
One per damaged corner. Most owners only replace the side with a spun or cracked bore.
Explore Related Categories
Suspension & Components | VW Vanagon Parts | All VW Air-Cooled Parts
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California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
