Cv Joint Race, for Type 2, Each

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, the drivetrain is the backbone of every adventure, whether you are traversing Mojave sand dunes or navigating daily traffic in a classic Transporter. The CV joint is a critical point of failure under high-torque and high-angle conditions, and as the saying goes, you can''t win if you don''t finish. This EMPI CV Joint Race for Type 2 applications is engineered specifically for those who demand more from their suspension and transaxle than factory components were originally designed to provide. By utilizing a race-hardened construction, this component provides the structural integrity needed to house the chrome-moly balls and interface with the cage, ensuring that power delivery remains smooth and consistent even when the axles are pushed to their angular limits. Whether you are rebuilding a set of high-performance Lobro joints or refreshing your EMPI assemblies, this race is the precision-machined heart of the CV system that keeps your wheels turning.

Durability is the primary focus of this Type 2 CV race, making it an essential upgrade or replacement for rugged terrain usage and dedicated race applications. Standard factory races often suffer from galling, pitting, or even catastrophic shattering when subjected to the extreme shock loads found in off-road racing or high-horsepower street builds. This EMPI race features advanced heat-treating processes that significantly increase surface hardness while maintaining the core toughness required to resist fatigue. Designed to be a direct fit for 94mm Type 2 CV joints, it offers the tight tolerances necessary to minimize slop in the drivetrain, which in turn reduces heat buildup and extends the life of your boots and grease. When you are miles from civilization in a Baja bug or pushing for a personal best at the drag strip, having the peace of mind that your CV internals are race-hardened is worth every penny.

FITMENT

This CV Joint Race is designed for 94mm Type 2 (Bus) CV joints. It is a standard component for many air-cooled and water-cooled VW transaxle setups including:

• VW Type 2 Bus: 1968 through 1979 models.
• VW Vanagon: 1980 through 1991 (2WD and Syncro applications).
• VW Beetle/Karmann Ghia: When converted to Type 2 (94mm) "Bus" CV joints for increased travel.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Standard fitment for factory 94mm CV axles.
• Off-Road Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Baja Bugs utilizing Type 2 transaxles or stub axles.
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for use with original Lobro and EMPI 94mm CV joint cages and housings.

SPECS

The following technical specifications ensure that this race meets the rigorous demands of high-performance Volkswagen drivetrains:

• Product Brand: EMPI.
• Part Number: 16-2632-0.
• Material: Race-hardened, high-carbon forged steel.
• Joint Diameter: 94mm (Standard Type 2).
• Spline Count: 33-Spline internal bore for standard Type 2/Vanagon axle shafts.
• Finish: Precision ground and heat-treated for maximum wear resistance.
• Weight: Approximately 0.59 lbs.
• Quantity: Sold Each (One race per CV joint).
• GTIN: 707924301519.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Orientation is Paramount

When assembling your CV joint, pay extremely close attention to the orientation of the race within the cage. The race has a specific offset; one side of the splined center usually has a deeper shoulder than the other. If you install the race backward, the joint will not achieve its full range of motion and may bind or lock up entirely during suspension travel. Always dry-fit the assembly without grease first to ensure that the inner race and outer cage can pivot freely through their entire intended angle. If it feels "notchy" or stops abruptly, you likely have the race flipped the wrong way. Double-checking this now prevents a catastrophic failure on the trail or road later.

2. The Importance of High-Moly Grease

A race-hardened component like this EMPI unit is only as good as the lubrication protecting it. Never use standard "all-purpose" chassis grease in a 94mm CV joint. You must use a high-quality grease with a high percentage of Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly). This additive creates a dry-film lubricant layer on the hardened surfaces of the race and the balls, which prevents metal-to-metal contact during high-shock loads. When filling the joint, ensure you pack the grease into the center of the race and work it through the ball tracks until it extrudes out the other side. Proper lubrication is the difference between a CV joint that lasts ten years and one that burns up in ten miles.

3. Inspecting for Replacement

If you are rebuilding an existing CV joint, inspect your old race under a bright light after a thorough cleaning with solvent. Look for "polishing" (which is normal) versus "pitting" or "brinelling" (which is not). If you see small chunks of metal missing from the tracks or feel any ridges with your fingernail, the race is fatigued and must be replaced. This 16-2632-0 race is a cost-effective way to salvage a high-quality German Lobro housing. If the outer housing and the cage are still smooth and free of cracks, swapping in a new race-hardened EMPI race can return your drivetrain to like-new performance without the expense of a completely new joint assembly.