Steering Pitman Arm, for Ball Joint, Small Shaft

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and precision of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the steering linkage is the last place you want to cut corners. A worn or damaged pitman arm can lead to vague steering response, excessive play in the wheel, and the dreaded "death wobble" that plagues many aging classic Beetles. This EMPI Steering Pitman Arm is the professional-grade solution for restoring that factory-crisp steering feel. Crafted from high-strength forged steel and finished in a durable black coating, this arm serves as the critical mechanical bridge between your steering box and your tie rods. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration or simply refreshing a daily driver, replacing an old, fatigued pitman arm ensures that every input from the steering wheel is accurately translated to the pavement, providing the confidence you need for both highway cruising and spirited canyon driving.

This specific pitman arm is engineered for the unique transition years of the Volkswagen Type 1, specifically designed to fit the "small shaft" steering boxes that became standard in the late 1960s. It is optimized for use with larger ball joint tie rod ends, making it a versatile component for owners of 1969 through 1977 Standard Beetles. The sleek black finish doesn''t just look great during a car show inspection; it provides a vital layer of corrosion resistance against road salt, moisture, and grime. By choosing this EMPI component, you are investing in a part that meets rigorous aftermarket standards, ensuring a perfect taper fit for your tie rods and a secure spline connection to your steering box. Don''t let a sloppy front end ruin your driving experience when a high-quality, robust replacement is readily available to tighten up your VW''s handling.

FITMENT

This pitman arm is designed for Volkswagen models equipped with a small-shaft steering box and ball joint front ends. Please verify your shaft diameter before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1969 - 1977
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969 - 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 - 1974
• Note: Does not fit Super Beetle (1302/1303) models with MacPherson strut suspension.
• Note: Fits "Small Shaft" steering boxes only (approx. 22mm / 0.866 inches).

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2567-B
• Material: Heavy-Duty Forged Steel
• Finish: Gloss Black Protective Coating
• Shaft Fitment: Small Shaft (Late Style)
• Tie Rod Interface: Large Taper for Ball Joint Tie Rod Ends
• Weight: 1.44 lbs
• GTIN: 707924498417

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Steering Box Shaft Size

Volkswagen transitioned steering box shaft sizes around the 1968-1969 model years. Before finalizing your purchase, it is highly recommended to measure the output shaft of your steering box. The "Small Shaft" version (which this arm fits) measures approximately 22mm or roughly 7/8 of an inch at the splines. If you have an earlier 1968 or older vehicle that hasn''t been modified, you likely have the "Large Shaft" box which requires a different arm. Always clean the splines on your steering box thoroughly with a wire brush before sliding the new pitman arm on to ensure a perfect, bind-free seat.

2. Torque and Safety Hardware are Mandatory

The pitman arm is a "single point of failure" component, meaning if it comes loose, you lose all steering control. Never reuse an old, flattened lock washer or a rounded-off nut. When installing this EMPI arm, always use a fresh wave-style or heavy-duty lock washer and torque the large retaining nut to the factory specification (usually around 72-87 ft-lbs for Type 1 models). After the first 100 miles of driving, it is a smart practice to jack the car up and re-check the torque to ensure the splines have seated fully and nothing has backed off due to vibration.

3. Perform a Complete Front-End Inspection

If your pitman arm needs replacement, it is highly probable that your steering damper and "Rag Joint" (steering coupler) are also reaching the end of their service life. While you have the pitman arm removed, check the rubber steering coupler for cracks or dry rot. A brand-new pitman arm won''t fix steering slop if the rubber coupler is flexing excessively. Additionally, replacing the pitman arm changes the geometry slightly, so you must perform a professional front-end alignment immediately after installation to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure the steering wheel is perfectly centered.