65 bug, leaking oil out of center of wheel

[pistolpete76]

hey guys, i just bought a 65 bug from medford and drove it to portland, 5 hours driving, it made it home and goes great bu i noticed oil coming out of the hubcap, i took the hubcap off and saw that it had been coming out of the center nut, the one with the split pin. Anyway, it was very loose, i could move it with my fingers, so i tightened it up good, put the pin in it and took it for only a little drive and it didnt leak but probably will when driven longer. I am in the middle of painting it now so i have to wait to try it, but i am after help, was it just because the nut was loose, is it a seal gone, the bearing gone?why is oil coming out of there to begin with? I am new to beetles so if someone can help that would be very cool

[boschmann]

Most likely it needs axle seals, I'd do both sides. Just a note; that 36mm axle nut should be extremely tight (250 lb-ft torque), if it's not tight enough you can strip the splines on the brake drum. If you dont have access to a strong impact wrench, they sell a tool that is hit with a hammer to get it tight enough. To get to the axle seals you need to remove the drum & brakes. Then you will see the seal holder bolted to the axle housing with four bolts. Remove them & the holder will come off. There is a kit which includes all the parts you need.