EMPI 16-5138-0 VW Beetle & Ghia King Pin Torsion Arm Urethane Seals (1950-1965)

EMPI Front Torsion Arm Urethane Seals – 16-5138-0

Upgrade your front suspension’s protection with this set of High-Density Urethane Torsion Arm Seals. Designed specifically for early VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia models equipped with King & Link Pin front beams, these seals sit at the outer ends of the torsion tubes where the trailing arms mesh with the beam. Their primary job is to keep vital grease inside the needle bearings while locking out road grime, water, and abrasive grit that can lead to premature suspension wear.

Unlike original rubber seals that can dry rot and crack over time, these urethane replacements are impervious to automotive chemicals and road salt. They provide a tighter, more durable seal that is essential for both lowered street cars and rugged off-road builds. This 4-piece set includes enough seals to completely refresh one front beam.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility This kit fits King Pin (Link Pin) front axle beams for the following models:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

Product Highlights & Features Long-Lasting Urethane: Engineered from a specialized polyurethane compound that outlasts standard rubber and resists environmental degradation.

4-Piece Comprehensive Set: Provides full coverage for both upper and lower torsion arms on both the driver and passenger sides.

Grease Retention: Designed with a precision inner lip to ensure your front end stays properly lubricated between service intervals.

Contaminant Barrier: Offers a superior shield against the dust and moisture that typically destroys King Pin bushings and needle bearings.

Technical Specifications Part Number: 16-5138-0

Application: Front Torsion Arm Outer Seals (Beetle/Ghia)

Suspension Style: King & Link Pin Only

Material: High-Density Red Urethane

Installation & Maintenance Tips Confirm Fitment: These seals are sized for the Type 1 (Beetle/Ghia) front beam only. If you are working on a VW Bus (Type 2), you will need the larger diameter bus-specific seals.

Grease During Assembly: Before sliding the torsion arms back into the beam, apply a thin layer of multi-purpose lithium grease to the inner diameter of the seal to ensure a smooth installation.

Inspect the Arms: Check the surface of the torsion arm where the seal rides. If the metal is heavily pitted or rusted, clean the arm with a fine emery cloth to ensure a proper sealing surface.

Fill the Beam: Once installed, use a grease gun to fill the beam until you see a small amount of fresh grease starting to purge past the new seals. This confirms the cavity is full and the seal is properly seated.