Pitman Arm, Chrome, for Ball Joint Tie Rods, Small Shaft

OVERVIEW

When you are building a show-quality air-cooled machine or a rugged off-road rail, every component matters for both aesthetics and safety. The EMPI Chrome Pitman Arm is the definitive choice for enthusiasts who demand a clean, mirrored finish without sacrificing the structural integrity required for precise steering. This pitman arm serves as the critical link between your steering gearbox sector shaft and your tie rods, translating your steering wheel input into the lateral movement that guides your tires. Finished in a high-luster chrome, it provides a striking visual accent to your front beam assembly, making it an ideal upgrade for open-wheeled dune buggies, woods buggies, and street-driven Beetles where the steering components are frequently visible to the eye.

Functionally, this specific pitman arm is engineered for a "hybrid" configuration that is common in custom VW builds. It is designed to fit the 22mm "small shaft" found on early steering boxes, yet it is machined to accept the larger, more modern ball joint style tie rod ends. This allows builders to retain an earlier, often more compact steering box while taking advantage of the increased durability and availability of later-model ball joint steering geometry. Forged from high-strength steel before undergoing a multi-stage plating process, this EMPI arm ensures that your steering remains tight and responsive, providing the leverage needed to handle everything from tight city corners to undulating sand dunes without the flex or fatigue associated with inferior aftermarket alternatives.

FITMENT

Primary Applications: Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard) - Using 22mm Small Shaft Box with Ball Joint Tie Rods Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia - Using 22mm Small Shaft Box with Ball Joint Tie Rods Custom Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style bodies VW Thing (Type 181) custom steering conversions Baja Bugs utilizing early steering gearboxes with later-style spindles/tie rods

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: AC413042
• Finish: High-Polish Show Chrome
• Shaft Compatibility: Small Shaft (22mm Diameter Sector Shaft)
• Tie Rod Interface: Tapered for Ball Joint Style Tie Rod Ends
• Material: Heavy-Duty Forged Steel
• Weight: 1.43 lbs
• GTIN: 707924356946
• Orientation: Fits Standard Left-Hand Drive (LHD) configurations

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Spline Alignment

Before you slide the pitman arm onto the steering box sector shaft, it is imperative to find the "center" of your steering box. Rotate the input shaft from lock to lock, counting the turns, and then move it back exactly halfway. Most VW steering boxes and pitman arms feature a "master spline" or a specific orientation notch. Never attempt to force the arm onto the shaft with an impact wrench; it should slide on relatively easily by hand until it seats against the taper. If it doesn''t seat, check for chrome buildup in the splines or debris on the shaft. Ensuring the box is centered before tightening the arm prevents uneven turning radiuses where the car turns tighter in one direction than the other.

2. The Importance of Torque and Safety Hardware

Steering components are "single point of failure" items, meaning if the nut backs off, you lose all control of the vehicle. When installing this chrome pitman arm, always use a new lock washer and a high-grade nut. You must torque the sector shaft nut to approximately 70-80 ft-lbs (verify your specific box year specs). Because the arm is chromed, the surface is smoother than raw steel; therefore, re-checking the torque after the first 50 miles of driving is a mandatory safety step. The chrome plating can sometimes "settle" or compress slightly under the initial load, and a quick re-torque ensures the connection remains rock solid for the life of the vehicle.

3. Verifying the "Small Shaft" vs. "Large Shaft"

One of the most common mistakes in VW steering repair is misidentifying the sector shaft size. Generally, 1949 through 1968 Beetles used the "Small Shaft" (22mm), while 1969 and later models moved to the "Large Shaft" (24mm). However, because so many steering boxes have been swapped over the last 50 years, you cannot rely solely on the year of the car. Always measure your sector shaft with a micrometer or caliper before ordering. This AC413042 arm is the specific solution for builders who have a 22mm shaft but are running 1966-on Ball Joint front ends or tie rods. If your tie rod end drops into the hole and feels loose or "bottoms out" without the taper grabbing, you likely have the wrong tie rod style for this specific arm.