EMPI Billet Aluminum Steering Damper Mount, 2" Clamp-On | VW Beetle, Ghia, Dune Buggy & Sand Rail Beam (16-2044-0)
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The EMPI 16-2044-0 is a polished billet aluminum steering damper mount that clamps onto any 2-inch beam tube with no welding. It anchors the beam end of a steering damper on dune buggy and sand rail beams, EMPI aluminum link pin beams, and VW Beetle (1949–1977 beam front end), Karmann Ghia 1956–1974 and Thing 1973–1974 beams. 2.00 in clamp bore; sold each.
Part numbers: EMPI 16-2044-0 · 16-2044 · 1620440 · AC750103 · UPC 707924347456
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1949–1977 | VW Beetle (Type 1) | Beam front end |
| 1956–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | |
| 1973–1974 | VW Thing (Type 181) | |
| All | Dune buggies and sand rails | 2-inch-tube link pin, king pin or ball joint beam |
| All | EMPI aluminum link pin beams | With or without shock towers; no damper tab from the factory |
| All | Baja Bugs, Manx-style buggies, custom beams | 2-inch tubes |
| Does not fit | Super Beetle 1971–1979 | MacPherson strut front suspension, no beam |
Check before you order: the clamp bore is 2.00 in. Measure the tube you plan to mount on. On a stock Beetle beam that still has its original damper tab, you'll need to position the damper to suit the new mount, and some fitting may be needed.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | EMPI |
| Part number | 16-2044-0 |
| UPC | 707924347456 |
| Material | Billet aluminum |
| Finish | Polished aluminum |
| Clamp bore (ID) | 2.00 in |
| Mounting | Split clamp with socket head cap screws |
| Sold as | Each (one mount) |
| Shipping weight | 0.54 lb |
| Package dimensions | 4.25 x 3 x 1.25 in |
What's Included
- One billet aluminum clamp-on damper mount with its socket head cap screws
Not Included
- Steering damper (takes a standard steering damper, sold separately)
Why It Matters
It's the fix for custom and aluminum beams that were built without a damper tab, and a clean replacement when the original stamped-steel tab on a Beetle beam has rusted, cracked or been cut off. EMPI designed it to go with its polished aluminum link pin beams, so you can run a stock-style steering damper on a beam with no welded tab; it also works as a clamp-on mount for lights and brackets on 2-inch tubing.
Installation Notes
With the wheels pointed straight ahead, hold the damper against the tie rod clamp and find where the beam end needs to sit so the damper is at roughly mid-stroke.
Open the clamp and fit it around the beam tube at that spot.
Bolt the damper to the mount, then snug the clamp screws evenly.
Turn the steering lock to lock and check that the damper doesn't bottom out or hit anything. Adjust the mount position if it does.
Tighten the clamp screws fully and re-check them after the first drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tube does the EMPI 16-2044-0 damper mount fit?
It has a 2.00-inch clamp bore, which suits standard VW-style beam tubes and 2-inch buggy and sand rail tubing.
Do I have to weld anything to mount a steering damper?
No. The EMPI mount clamps around the tube with socket head cap screws.
Will it work on EMPI's aluminum link pin beam?
Yes. EMPI recommends this mount when you want to run a stock steering damper on its polished aluminum link pin beam, which doesn't have a damper tab.
Can I use it on a stock Beetle beam?
Yes, on 1977-and-earlier beam front ends. It's a common repair when the original damper tab has rusted or broken off. Some fitting may be needed to line the damper up.
Does the damper mount fit a Super Beetle?
No. 1971–1979 Super Beetles use MacPherson strut front suspension and don't have a beam for this to clamp onto.
Is the steering damper included?
No, this is the mount only. It takes a standard steering damper, sold separately.
Related Categories
EMPI Parts · All Air-Cooled VW
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.
