Transmission Mount Bolt, Fits Rear Mounts, All Years EACH

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of your air-cooled drivetrain, every fastener plays a critical role, but few are as essential as the rear transmission mount bolt. Over decades of service, original factory hardware is subjected to extreme heat cycles, road grime, and moisture, leading to inevitable corrosion, rounded hex heads, or compromised thread pitch. This EMPI transmission mount bolt is engineered to provide a factory-perfect fit, ensuring that your transaxle remains securely fastened to the chassis cradle or yoke. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration or simply swapping out a tired gearbox, replacing these bolts is a mandatory step to prevent the drivetrain from shifting under high-torque loads. A loose or failing bolt can lead to excessive vibration, poor shifting alignment, and even catastrophic damage to the transmission nose cone or engine case mounting ears.

This specific hardware component, identified by the classic Volkswagen OEM part number 113-301-257, is designed specifically for swing axle configurations and fits a wide variety of performance and stock applications. It is the go-to solution for securing stock-style transmission cradles or high-performance aftermarket mounts to the transaxle yoke. Because these bolts are often located in hard-to-reach areas that collect debris, they are frequently the first victims of "mechanic-induced" damage during a clutch job or engine pull. By choosing this high-quality EMPI replacement, you are ensuring that your Volkswagen Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or custom Dune Buggy maintains the exact tolerances required for smooth operation. Don''t risk your expensive drivetrain on a hardware store "Grade 5" substitute when you can install the correct, application-specific fastener designed for the unique demands of the air-cooled VW platform.

FITMENT

This transmission mount bolt is designed for rear mount applications across a wide range of air-cooled Volkswagen models. It is primarily used for swing axle transaxle configurations and fits the following:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Standard and Super Beetle) using swing axle or specific rear mount cradles.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years/models.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback models (1961-1973).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All custom builds utilizing a standard VW swing axle transmission cradle or performance rear yoke system.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): Early models requiring the 113-301-257 specification for rear mounting hardware.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI Performance Parts
• Part Number: 17-2828-0
• OEM Cross-Reference: 113-301-257
• Material: High-tensile strength hardened steel
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant clear zinc plating for long-term durability
• Thread Pitch: Metric M10 (Standard VW Pitch)
• Head Type: Standard Hex Head for easy socket access
• Application: Rear transmission mount to cradle or yoke
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each)

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use Anti-Seize Lubricant

Because these bolts are located at the lowest point of the vehicle and are constantly exposed to road spray and moisture, they are notorious for seizing into the transmission cradle or yoke over time. When installing your new EMPI bolts, apply a thin, even layer of nickel or copper-based anti-seize to the threads. This ensures that the next time you need to drop the engine or service the transaxle, the bolts will back out smoothly without snapping or stripping the internal threads of your mounting hardware. It''s a small step that saves hours of frustration during future maintenance.

2. Inspect the Rubber Mounts Simultaneously

If your rear transmission mount bolts were loose, rusted, or missing, there is a very high probability that your rubber transmission mounts have been compromised. While you have the hardware removed, take a close look at the rubber isolators for dry rot, cracking, or separation from the metal backing plates. A new bolt can only do so much if the rubber mount itself has collapsed. For high-performance builds, consider upgrading to urethane mounts at the same time you install these new bolts to minimize drivetrain "hop" and improve shifting precision under hard acceleration.

3. Torque to Factory Specifications

It is tempting to over-tighten these bolts to "make sure they don''t go anywhere," but over-torquing can actually stretch the bolt or, worse, strip the threads in the transaxle yoke. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and refer to your Bentley manual for the specific year of your chassis. Generally, these M10 fasteners require a firm but precise torque setting. If you find that your mounting holes are already slightly wallowed out, do not try to "over-bolt" them; instead, inspect the cradle for damage. Ensuring the bolt is properly torqued keeps the drivetrain aligned and prevents unnecessary stress on the transmission nose cone.