Steering Bushing, 3/4 Shaft, Bolt On Style, Chrome

OVERVIEW

When you are building a custom sand rail, dune buggy, or Baja Bug, steering precision is not just about comfortit is a matter of safety and control. The EMPI Bolt-On Steering Bushing for 3/4-inch shafts is engineered to provide a rock-solid pivot point for your steering column, eliminating the slop and vibration that often plagues custom off-road builds. This pillow block style bushing is designed to mount directly to your dash bar, windshield bar, or custom bracketry, ensuring that your steering shaft remains perfectly centered even when you are hammering through the whoops or navigating technical trails. By utilizing a high-density internal bushing material, it offers a smooth, low-friction rotation that won''t bind up under load, providing that crisp steering response every driver craves.

Aesthetics are just as important as performance in the air-cooled VW world, and this EMPI component does not disappoint. Featuring a brilliant, high-luster chrome finish, this steering mount adds a professional, show-quality touch to your cockpit. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration of a classic Meyers Manx or assembling a high-horsepower tube chassis rail, the triple-plated chrome ensures long-lasting corrosion resistance against the elements. It is the ideal solution for builders who want to move away from bulky, stock steering columns in favor of a sleek, minimalist 3/4-inch steel or aluminum shaft. The bolt-on design means you can skip the welding on the bushing itself, allowing for easy adjustment or replacement down the road if your steering geometry changes.

FITMENT

This steering bushing is a universal-style component designed for custom applications using a standard 3/4-inch OD steering shaft. It is commonly used on the following vehicles:

• Volkswagen Dune Buggies: All years and models including Manx style, fiberglass bodies, and custom kit cars.
• Sand Rails & Off-Road Frames: Ideal for Chenowth, Berrien, and custom tube chassis rails.
• Baja Bugs: Custom steering setups where the stock column has been removed.
• Street Rods & Hot Rods: Any custom vehicle utilizing a 3/4-inch steering shaft.
• Trikes & Custom Haulers: Versatile mounting for various steering angles.

SPECS

• Product Type: Steering Shaft Bushing (Pillow Block Style).
• Shaft Compatibility: Fits standard 3/4-inch (0.75") Outer Diameter shafts.
• Mounting Style: Bolt-on design for easy installation and removal.
• Finish: Show-quality Chrome Plating.
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel housing with a durable synthetic inner bushing.
• Application: Dash bar or windshield bar mounting.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 17-2803-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure Perfect Linear Alignment

Before you tighten down the mounting bolts on your new chrome steering bushing, it is critical to ensure that the shaft is perfectly aligned with the steering box or rack. If the bushing is mounted at a slight angle relative to the shaft, it will create a "bind" that makes the steering feel heavy or notched. Slide the shaft through the bushing and rotate it by hand; if you feel any resistance, shim the mounting base of the bushing until the shaft spins freely. This will prevent premature wear on the inner bushing and ensure a smooth steering feel.

2. Use High-Quality Fasteners and Locking Nuts

Off-road vehicles are subject to intense vibrations that can rattle standard hardware loose over time. We always recommend using Grade 8 mounting bolts and Nyloc locking nuts when securing this bushing to your chassis or dash bar. Because this is a bolt-on component, it is also a good practice to use a small drop of blue thread-locking compound on the threads. This ensures that your steering column stays exactly where you put it, even after a full weekend of aggressive trail riding or sand dune jumping.

3. Lubrication and Maintenance

While the synthetic material inside the EMPI steering bushing is designed for low friction, a small amount of dry film lubricant or a tiny dab of white lithium grease during the initial assembly can go a long way. Avoid using heavy chassis grease, as it can attract sand and grit, which acts like sandpaper and wears down the bushing and the chrome finish of your shaft. A clean, dry lubricant will keep the steering effortless without creating a mess in your interior. Periodically inspect the bushing for any play to ensure your steering remains tight and responsive.