CMI Chromoly Nickel-Plated VW Rear Axle Nuts | Type 1 Beetle, Ghia & Type 3 | Heat-Treated Pair (#A13-CMI)

CMI Chromoly Nickel-Plated VW Rear Axle Nuts — Heat-Treated Hub Security Upgrade (Pair)

CMI chromoly nickel-plated VW rear axle nuts, sold as a pair. Heat-treated chromoly steel replacements for the soft mild-steel factory axle nuts, finished in nickel plating for corrosion resistance. The ultimate hub security upgrade for any VW with rear axles — particularly important on performance, lowered, off-road, or hard-driven cars where the factory nut is at the edge of its specification. Part #A13-CMI.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Type 1 rear axles: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Thing (standard VW axle nut)

• VW-based builds: Dune buggies, sand rails, Manx, and others using stock-pattern rear axles

• Suspension: Both swing axle and IRS rear suspension

Verify thread spec before ordering. VW rear axle nuts have used the same general thread pattern across most production, but custom axle setups (extended axles, race axles, off-road conversions) sometimes use different thread specs. Match this nut to your specific axle threads.

Why Choose CMI Chromoly?

The rear axle nut holds the rear hub onto the axle and carries every bit of engine torque, cornering load, and braking force at the rear of the car. The factory VW nut is soft mild steel torqued to a very high spec — well over 200 ft-lbs — so installation and removal both stress the threads heavily. On hard-driven, lowered, swing-axle-to-IRS-converted, or performance cars, threads can strip on installation or the nut can deform under repeated torque cycles. The CMI chromoly version is heat-treated chromoly steel — significantly stronger than the mild-steel factory unit — and nickel-plated against corrosion around the rear hub. They install with standard tools, torque to factory spec, and last the life of the car.

Key Features & Benefits

• Heat-Treated Chromoly: Significantly stronger than the soft mild-steel factory nut.

• Nickel-Plated: Corrosion resistance in the wet, dirty environment around the rear hub.

• Direct Fit: Installs with standard tools and torques to factory spec.

• Sold as a Pair: Left and right included.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Heat-treated chromoly steel

• Finish: Nickel plated

• Sold As: Pair (left + right)

• Manufacturer: CMI

• Part Number: #A13-CMI

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the torque spec? The factory VW rear axle nut torque spec is approximately 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm) — verify against your specific service manual. This is a very high torque value and requires a long breaker bar or torque multiplier. Too loose and the hub walks, too tight and you stress the threads.

• Do I need a new cotter pin? The VW rear axle nut is a castle-style nut secured with a cotter pin through the axle. Always use a new cotter pin on installation; never reuse an old one.

• Will these work on my swing axle Beetle? Yes. Swing axle rear axle nuts use the same general thread spec as IRS axles on Type 1 cars.

• Are they worth it on a stock daily driver? For a stock, gently-driven Beetle the factory nut is generally adequate if installed correctly. The chromoly version is cheap insurance and the right choice if you'll remove/reinstall axles multiple times or run performance modifications that increase rear-end loads.

• What happens if I run a worn or damaged factory nut? Best case, slow loosening leading to a wobbly rear wheel; worst case, sudden thread failure and rear wheel separation at speed. The axle nut is one of those fasteners where "good enough" isn't good enough.

• Do they include washers? No — the axle nuts only. The factory VW axle washer should be in good condition or replaced with a known-good unit if bent or distorted.

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