Control Arm Bushing Kit, for Super Beetle 71-73, 15 Pieces

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the unique MacPherson strut front suspension of the early Super Beetle, maintaining precise alignment and component stability is absolutely critical for safety and handling. The notorious ''Super Beetle Shimmy'' is often the result of aged, cracked, or compressed factory rubber bushings that can no longer support the dynamic loads of the front end. This EMPI 15-piece control arm bushing kit is engineered to replace those soft, deteriorating original components with high-density urethane. Unlike standard rubber, which begins to break down the moment it is exposed to road salts, oil, and ozone, these urethane bushings are designed to maintain their structural integrity for the life of your vehicle. By installing this kit, you are effectively tightening the connection between the control arms and the chassis, ensuring that your steering inputs are translated directly to the road without the vague, wandering sensation common in aging Volkswagens.

This comprehensive 15-piece kit provides a complete overhaul for the 1971 through 1973 Super Beetle front suspension points. Urethane offers a significantly higher load-bearing capacity and greater tear strength than traditional rubber, which is essential for the specific geometry of the early Super Beetle control arms. While rubber bushings are designed to deflect and absorb energyoften at the expense of handling precisionurethane stays firm, keeping your suspension geometry consistent even under heavy braking or hard cornering. Whether you are performing a full ground-up restoration or simply trying to make your daily driver more predictable on the highway, this EMPI kit delivers the durability and performance that air-cooled enthusiasts demand. This kit is a direct replacement for the factory parts, designed to fit perfectly into the original housings while providing a noticeable upgrade in road feel and steering response.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Super Beetle (Type 1): 1971, 1972, 1973
• Note: Specifically for the early Super Beetle MacPherson strut front end.
• Note: Does NOT fit standard (Torsion Bar) Beetles.
• Note: Does NOT fit 1974 and later Super Beetles with the updated steering rack/control arm configuration.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 16-5107-0
• Material: High-Performance Red Urethane
• Total Piece Count: 15 Pieces
• Application: Front Control Arm / Suspension Pivot Points
• Resistance: Impervious to oil, grease, road salt, and environmental contaminants
• Hardness: Specially formulated durometer for a balance of performance and vibration dampening

PRO TIPS

Proper Lubrication is Mandatory: One of the most common complaints with urethane bushings is a "squeaking" sound during suspension travel. To prevent this, you must use a high-quality, waterproof silicone or molybdenum-based grease during installation. Apply a generous layer of grease to all surfaces where the urethane contacts metal (the inner sleeve and the outer housing). Never use a petroleum-based grease, as it can eventually degrade the material and cause premature failure. Taking the extra five minutes to properly lube these 15 pieces will ensure a silent and smooth-operating front end for years to come.

Surface Preparation is Key: Before you press the new urethane bushings into your control arms, it is vital to thoroughly clean the internal metal surfaces of the arms. Over the decades, old rubber often leaves behind a film of debris, or the metal may have developed a layer of surface rust. Use a wire brush, emery cloth, or a small sanding drum to polish the inside of the bushing carrier until it is smooth and clean. If there are burrs or sharp edges from the removal of the old bushings, file them down. A smooth, clean surface ensures the urethane seats perfectly and prevents "stiction" that can interfere with suspension movement.

Perform a Professional Alignment Post-Install: Any time you replace suspension bushings on a Super Beetle, your toe-in and camber settings will likely change. Even though these are direct-fit replacements, the increased rigidity of urethane often shifts the "resting" position of the control arm compared to the saggy, worn-out rubber you removed. Once the kit is installed and the car is back on its wheels, take it to a shop that understands the specific alignment needs of a MacPherson strut VW. Proper alignment is the final step in curing the dreaded shimmy and ensuring your tires wear evenly after upgrading your suspension components.