Why is the front axle filled with grease?

Multipurpose. Lubes the needle bearings at each end and the bushings further in. Plus, lubes the torsion "leaves" so they can slide against each other as they "rotate". Lastly, prevents everything inside from rusting...

Pick up any kind of Beetle shop manual and you will find a cutaway view of the front axle. The design of your Ghia front axle has not changed significantly since its introduction in 1938. That's not a misprint:-) All those Kubelwagens running around the desert with Rommel in WWII ? Same torsion leaf front axle!

History reading:

To lubricate the bearings inside that support the trailing arms.. and to keep it from rusting through from the inside out. Lord knows they are known to rust on the outside enough. :)

Jan