Ball Joint Beam Bushing Kit, Urethane, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled Volkswagen''s front suspension with the EMPI Urethane Ball Joint Beam Bushing Kit, the definitive solution for drivers looking to eliminate front-end "slop" and improve handling precision. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) needle bearings are notorious for wearing down over decades of use, leading to a loose steering feel and uneven tire wear. This high-performance urethane kit is designed to completely replace the fragile factory needle bearings and seals within your ball joint beam. Unlike traditional bearings that can succumb to grit and moisture, these high-durometer urethane bushings provide a self-lubricating, durable interface that stands up to the rigors of both daily street driving and intense off-road abuse in Baja bugs or sand rails.

Installation of this 4-pack kit is a favorite among VW enthusiasts because it simplifies the beam rebuilding process. Pressing in new needle bearings requires specialized tools and extreme precision, but these urethane bushings are engineered for a snug, reliable fit that stabilizes the trailing arms throughout their entire range of motion. By providing a larger surface area for the trailing arm to ride on compared to thin needle rollers, these bushings distribute suspension loads more evenly. Whether you are restoring a classic 1960s Beetle or building a rugged woods buggy, this kit ensures your front suspension remains tight, responsive, and quiet for years to come. Don''t settle for a wandering front end when you can bolt on the reliability of EMPI engineering.

FITMENT

This bushing kit is designed specifically for Volkswagen Type 1 based front ends equipped with Ball Joint suspension. It is not compatible with earlier King and Link Pin beams or later Super Beetle MacPherson strut front ends.

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1966 through 1977
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models utilizing a standard width or narrowed Type 1 Ball Joint beam
• Baja Bugs: All models utilizing a Ball Joint front suspension setup

SPECS

This comprehensive 4-piece kit includes both inner and outer bushings to fully service one ball joint beam. Technical specifications include:

• Material: High-Durometer Performance Urethane (Red)
• Quantity: 4 Pieces (2 Large Inner Bushings, 2 Small Outer Bushings)
• Large Bushing Dimensions: 1.75 inches Outer Diameter (OD), 1.42 inches Inner Diameter (ID), 6.313 inches Long
• Small Bushing Dimensions: 1.75 inches Outer Diameter (OD), 1.45 inches Inner Diameter (ID), 6 inches Long
• Function: Replaces factory needle bearings and outer grease seals
• Compatibility: Standard width ball joint axle beams

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Thorough Beam Preparation is Key. Before attempting to slide your new urethane bushings into the beam, you must ensure the internal surface of the axle tube is perfectly clean. Use a long-handled wire brush or a degreaser-soaked rag on a rod to remove all old, hardened grease and any debris left behind by the old needle bearings. If the inner surface of the beam has rust scale, light sanding with a fine-grit flap wheel can help ensure the bushings seat fully without binding, which is critical for smooth suspension travel.

Pro Tip 2: Use the Right Lubricant. While urethane is naturally more resilient than rubber, it can develop a "squeak" if installed dry. We highly recommend using a high-quality silicone-based grease or a specialized "Moly" grease specifically designed for urethane bushings during assembly. Apply a generous coat to both the outside of the bushing (where it meets the beam) and the inside (where the trailing arm slides). This not only prevents noise but also creates an extra barrier against moisture and fine dust particles.

Pro Tip 3: Inspect Your Trailing Arms. Before sliding the trailing arms into your new bushings, inspect the bearing surface of the arms for "pitting" or deep grooves caused by failed needle bearings. If the trailing arms are badly scarred, they can act like a file and prematurely wear out your new urethane bushings. If you find minor imperfections, you can often polish them out with emery cloth. However, if the damage is structural or excessively deep, replacing the trailing arms at the same time as the bushings will ensure the tightest possible fit and the best steering response.