Tie Rod, King Pin Left Side, Beetle 49-65

OVERVIEW

Precision steering is the backbone of a safe and enjoyable driving experience in any classic air-cooled Volkswagen. This EMPI Left Side Adjustable Tie Rod is specifically engineered for the 1949 through 1965 VW Beetle equipped with the legendary king pin front beam. Over decades of service, original tie rods suffer from internal wear, road grime infiltration, and metal fatigue, leading to the dreaded "VW shimmy," steering wheel play, and uneven tire wear. By replacing your worn-out steering linkage with this high-quality, forged steel assembly, you are not just performing maintenance; you are restoring the communicative and nimble handling characteristics that made the Type 1 Beetle an automotive icon. This complete assembly includes the threaded rod and both tie rod ends, ensuring that every component in the left-hand steering circuit is fresh and ready for the road.

As a master specialist at Appletree Auto, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using robust components like this EMPI unit for your restoration or daily driver. This tie rod is designed to be fully adjustable, allowing for precise toe-in settings during a professional alignment, which is critical for high-speed stability and preventing premature tire failure. Whether you are rebuilding a concours-level 1950s Oval Window or maintaining a rugged 1960s dune buggy built on a shortened king pin chassis, this part offers the perfect balance of vintage-correct fitment and modern manufacturing tolerances. It also serves as a direct replacement for part number 131-415-801B, providing a versatile solution for various early steering configurations. Don''t settle for vague steering response when a simple, high-quality replacement can make your Beetle feel like it just rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.

FITMENT

This tie rod is designed strictly for the Left Side (Driver''s Side on LHD models) of the following vehicles with King Pin front ends:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1965 (Models equipped with King Pin beams)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom build utilizing a 1949-1965 VW King Pin front beam assembly.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-415-801
• Cross Reference: 131-415-801B
• Position: Left Side (Driver Side)
• Front End Type: King Pin / Link Pin
• Material: Heavy-duty forged steel
• Adjustment Type: Threaded rod with locking clamps
• Includes: Inner tie rod end, outer tie rod end, and adjustment tube
• Finish: Durable black protective coating for corrosion resistance
• Boot Material: High-grade resilient rubber dust boots
• Hardware: Includes necessary castle nuts and cotter pins for installation

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The "Bench-Set" Alignment Method

Before you remove your old, worn-out tie rod, take a precise measurement from the center of one tie rod end stud to the center of the other. When you assemble your new EMPI tie rod, adjust it to match this exact length on your workbench before installing it on the car. While this does not replace a professional alignment, it will "rough in" your toe-in settings close enough to prevent major tire scrub during the drive to the alignment shop. Always remember to tighten the adjustment clamps securely once the rod is installed and the steering wheel is centered.

Tip 2: Inspect the Steering Damper and King Pins

If you are replacing a tie rod because of steering slop or vibration, don''t stop there. While the tie rod is disconnected, it is the perfect time to inspect the steering damper (the shock absorber for your steering) and the king pins themselves. Check the king pins for vertical play or excessive bushing wear. If the king pins are loose, even a brand-new tie rod won''t fix your handling issues. Also, ensure the steering box is properly adjusted and centered to get the most benefit out of your new steering components.

Tip 3: Proper Lubrication and Boot Care

While many modern tie rod ends come pre-greased, I always recommend giving the grease zerks a fresh pump of high-quality chassis grease after installation to ensure the joint is fully packed. During your regular oil changes, take a moment to inspect the rubber dust boots on your tie rods. If you see cracks or tears, replace them immediately. Keeping the grease in and the road grit out is the only way to ensure these joints last for the next 50,000 miles. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in preserving the tight, responsive feel of your Volkswagen''s front end.