EMPI 18-3/4" Bus CV Axle — Complete & All-New (90-6903-C)

Short answer: EMPI 90-6903-C is a complete, ready-to-install 18-3/4-inch CV axle for a 1968–1979 VW Bay Window Bus with the manual 4-speed transmission. The same axle fits the left or right side. Both 100 mm CV joints, the boots and the grease are already on it, so the job is twelve bolts out and twelve bolts back in.

A clicking noise on tight turns, a clunk when you get on and off the throttle, or a spray of black grease on the inside of the rear wheel: those are the classic signs of a tired Bus CV axle. Rebuilding an old shaft means sourcing joints, boots, clamps and grease, then hoping the worn parts you reused hold up. This EMPI assembly replaces the whole thing with new parts, with no core to send back.

Make sure you have the right Bus axle

Every Bay Window Bus from 1968 to 1979 has the same CV-joint rear suspension, but the axle length depends on the transmission. Manual Buses use this one axle on both sides. Automatic Buses use two different lengths.

Is my Bus a manual?

• Check the cab: a manual has a clutch pedal and a 4-speed shifter on the floor.
• Check the old axles: on a manual Bus both rear axles are the same length. If yours are different lengths, you have an automatic.
• Check for a swap: many Buses have had transaxles swapped over the years. Go by what is in the Bus now, not by the original spec.

What's in the box

• New 18-3/4" axle shaft
• Two new 100 mm CV joints, prepacked with EMPI moly grease
• New CV boots with stainless steel clamps
• Assembled and ready to install. CV bolts are not included; reuse good ones or fit new bolts.

Installation notes

• Make it safe first. Chock the front wheels, leave the Bus in gear with the parking brake set, and support the rear on stands.
• Twelve bolts. Remove the six CV bolts at the transaxle flange and the six at the wheel flange. Support the axle before the last bolts come out; letting it hang on one joint at a sharp angle can unseat the joint.
• Clean, dry flanges. Wipe the flange faces and joint faces clean. Grease between a joint and its flange lets the joint creep and loosen the bolts.
• Inspect the bolts. Replace any CV bolt with a rounded head or stretched threads, and any flattened lock washer.
• Torque evenly. Snug the bolts in a criss-cross pattern, then torque to the factory spec of 25 ft-lb (34 Nm). Recheck after the first 100 miles.
• Look at the boots. Make sure neither boot is twisted or pinched once the axle is in.
• Doing both sides? Order two. The same part fits left and right.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 90-6903-C (also listed as 90-6903)
• UPC: 707924200027
• OE / interchange: 211 501 203, 211 598 331
• Reference #: C13-90-6903
• Fits: VW Type 2 Bay Window Bus, Kombi, Camper & Transporter, 1968–1979, manual transmission
• Position: Rear, left or right
• Length: 18-3/4" (476 mm)
• CV joints: 100 mm
• Condition: 100% new, no core charge
• Shipping weight: approx. 13.4 lb

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this fit both sides? Yes. On a manual-transmission Bus the left and right axles are the same 18-3/4" length.
• Will this fit my automatic Bus? No. The automatic uses an 18" left axle (EMPI 90-6901-0) and a 19-7/8" right axle (EMPI 90-6902-0).
• Does this fit a 1972 VW Bus? Yes, any 1968–1979 Bay Window Bus with a manual transmission.
• Does it fit a Vanagon or a Beetle? No. Vanagon and IRS Beetle axles are different lengths and joint sizes.
• Is it new or rebuilt? All-new. Every part is new and there is no core charge.
• Are CV bolts included? No. Each axle uses 12 bolts; reuse yours if they are in good shape.
• What is the part number and UPC? EMPI 90-6903-C, UPC 707924200027, OE 211 501 203.
• Are you an authorized EMPI dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer, so this is new, genuine EMPI stock with full factory support.

Finish the job

Refreshing a joint instead? See the EMPI Bus CV boot kit (86-1086-D), the German-made GKN Löbro Bus CV joint, or browse all Axles & CV Components and VW Bus parts.

Prop 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.