VW Super Beetle Front Control Arm Bushing Kit 1971–1973 — EMPI 16-5107-0, Urethane, 15-Piece with Grease
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EMPI Urethane Front Control Arm Bushing Kit — Super Beetle 1971–1973 (16-5107-0)
Short answer: EMPI 16-5107-0 is a 15-piece urethane front control arm and sway (strut) bar bushing kit with grease for the 1971–1973 VW Super Beetle (Type 1 1302/1303) strut front suspension, sedan and convertible. Urethane flexes less than rubber, so steering is more precise and the alignment stays where you set it. Not listed for 1974–1979 Super Beetles or beam-front Beetles.
Part numbers: EMPI 16-5107-0 (short 16-5107). UPC 707924350791.
Vehicle Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1971–1973 | VW Super Beetle sedan & convertible | Type 1 1302/1303 to 07/1973 (EMPI) |
| Not confirmed | 1974–1979 Super Beetle | Front control arm and sway bar mounting changed |
| Does not fit | Standard torsion-beam Beetle | Beam-front Beetles use different bushings |
| Not confirmed | Karmann Ghia, Bus |
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | EMPI 16-5107-0 |
| Material | Urethane |
| Contents | 15 pieces plus grease |
| Location | Front control arm and sway (strut) bar bushings |
| Sold as | 15-piece kit |
| UPC | 707924350791 |
| Country of origin | China |
| Shipping weight | 1.16 lb |
| Package dimensions | 12 x 9 x 2 in |
What's Included
Included:
- 15 urethane bushing pieces
- Grease
Why It Matters
A 1971–73 Super Beetle that wanders, clunks over bumps, or shimmies at speed very often has tired front control-arm and sway-bar bushings: the rubber squashes, the arm moves, and the alignment walks away. Urethane must be greased at install or it squeaks, which is why the grease is in the kit.
Installation Notes
- Support the car on stands under the body, not the control arms, and get the arm and sway bar out cleanly.
- Push or cut out the old rubber, and clean the bores and sleeves back to bare, rust-free metal.
- Grease every urethane contact surface with the supplied grease. Dry urethane squeaks.
- Tighten the pivot bolts with the car at ride height, then get a front-end alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the EMPI 16-5107-0 bushing kit fit a 1972 VW Super Beetle? Yes. EMPI lists this kit for the Type 1 1302 / 1303 Super Beetle to 07/1973, which covers US model years 1971–1973.
- Will it fit a 1974–1979 Super Beetle? We don't list it for those years. The 1974-and-later front control arm and sway bar mounting changed, so check your car first.
- Do Super Beetle control arm bushings fit a standard Beetle? No. It is for the Super Beetle strut front suspension. Beam-front Beetles use different bushings.
- What's in the 15-piece Super Beetle bushing kit? 15 urethane pieces with grease. Dealers describe split bushings and sleeves for the inner control-arm mounts and for the sway (strut) bar, plus the strut-bar-to-chassis bushings.
- Can worn bushings cause Super Beetle shimmy? Yes. Worn front bushings are a common cause of Super Beetle shimmy, so start here before chasing the steering box.
- What is the part number? EMPI 16-5107-0 (often listed as EMPI 16-5107). UPC 707924350791.
Explore Related Categories
Tightening up a Super Beetle front end? Browse Suspension Parts, VW Super Beetle Parts and the full EMPI Parts catalog.
Prop 65 Warning
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.
