Pivot Bolt Washer, for Beetle 69-79, Ghia 64-74, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the structural integrity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s rear suspension, every single piece of hardware plays a vital role in safety and performance. The EMPI Pivot Bolt Washer is a heavy-duty, precision-engineered component designed specifically for the Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) trailing arms found on late-model Beetles and Ghias. Over decades of use, original washers are subjected to extreme road grime, moisture, and mechanical stress, often leading to severe corrosion or warping. If you are refurbishing your rear end or installing new trailing arm bushings, reusing old, pitted, or thin hardware is a recipe for disaster. This washer provides the necessary surface area to distribute the clamping load of the pivot bolt, ensuring that your rear suspension remains rigid and your alignment stays within factory specifications.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that a "clunk" in the rear end is often traced back to worn or improper hardware in the pivot assembly. This pivot bolt washer is manufactured to meet or exceed the original equipment standards, offering the thickness and durability required to withstand the constant cycling of the rear trailing arms. Whether you are restoring a showroom-quality 1971 Super Beetle or building a high-performance street Ghia, using the correct hardware is non-negotiable. This washer is the perfect companion for our high-strength pivot bolts, providing a professional-grade seal and seating surface that prevents the bolt head from marring the mounting brackets. Don''t settle for "close enough" hardware store substitutes when you can install the exact part designed for your VW''s unique IRS geometry.

FITMENT

This pivot bolt washer is designed for Volkswagen models equipped with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Please verify your suspension type before ordering, as it will not fit swing-axle configurations.

• Volkswagen Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974
• Custom Applications: Suitable for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Baja Bugs utilizing stock IRS trailing arm pivots.

SPECS

• Product Name: Pivot Bolt Washer for IRS Trailing Arms
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2827-0
• Material: High-Tensile Forged Steel
• Finish: Corrosion-Resistant Zinc Plating
• Inner Diameter: Optimized for M12 Pivot Bolts
• Application: Rear Trailing Arm Pivot Point (Inner or Outer)
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each)
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Pro Tip 1: Torque to Spec for Safety. When installing your rear trailing arms, it is absolutely critical to use a calibrated torque wrench. For most IRS Beetle and Ghia applications, the pivot bolt should be torqued to approximately 87 ft-lbs (120 Nm). Without this specific washer, the bolt head can "dig" into the mounting bracket or the bushing sleeve, leading to a false torque reading. This can cause the bolt to loosen over time, resulting in dangerous "rear-end steer" and accelerated tire wear. Always ensure the washer is seated flat against the bracket before you begin the final tightening sequence.

Pro Tip 2: Inspect the Pivot Brackets. Before you slide the new bolt and washer into place, take a close look at the mounting holes on the chassis. If the previous hardware was loose, the holes may have become "ovalized" or elongated. If you see signs of wear, the new washer will help distribute the load, but severe damage may require welding or bracket replacement. A fresh washer provides a clean, flat surface that helps "sandwich" the bracket and the trailing arm bushing sleeve together, which is essential for a quiet, rattle-free ride.

Pro Tip 3: Anti-Seize is Your Best Friend. Air-cooled VWs are notorious for having suspension bolts seize inside the inner metal sleeve of the trailing arm bushing. While you want the threads of the bolt to be clean (or use a tiny drop of blue loctite if preferred), we highly recommend applying a thin layer of high-quality anti-seize lubricant to the smooth shank of the pivot bolt and the faces of the washer. This prevents galvanic corrosion between the steel hardware and the bushing sleeve, making your next suspension service or alignment adjustment significantly easier years down the road.