Trailing Arm Grub Screw Kit, Fits All Years VW, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and structural integrity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s front suspension, there is no room for compromise. The trailing arm grub screws are the unsung heroes of the torsion beam assembly, responsible for anchoring the trailing arms securely to the torsion leaf stacks. Over decades of service, original factory hardware often becomes victim to extreme road grime, moisture-induced corrosion, and the rounded-off internal hex heads caused by previous owners using the wrong tools. This EMPI Trailing Arm Grub Screw Kit provides a complete, high-quality replacement solution that ensures your suspension remains tight, responsive, and properly aligned. Whether you are performing a full frame-off restoration or simply refreshing a tired front beam, replacing these critical fasteners is a mandatory step for any serious VW enthusiast who values precision and safety on the open road.

This comprehensive 4-pack kit is engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, featuring the correct tapered point designed to seat perfectly into the dimples of your torsion bar leaves. By utilizing hardened steel construction, these grub screws resist the shear forces and vibration inherent in the Volkswagen front end design. The included jam nuts are essential for locking the screws in place, preventing them from backing out under the constant oscillation of the suspension arms. Don''t risk your steering geometry or the structural stability of your front axle with old, pitted, or stripped hardware. This kit offers the peace of mind that comes with knowing your trailing arms are locked down with the same reliability the car had when it first rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): All years with Torsion Bar Front Ends (1946-1979)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years (1973-1975)
• Volkswagen Fridolin (Type 147): All years
• Custom Applications: Fits most aftermarket King Pin and Ball Joint front beams for Dune Buggies, Woods Buggies, and Sand Rails.

SPECS

• Part Number: 98-4165-0
• Quantity: 4 Grub Screws and 4 Matching Jam Nuts
• Material: High-tensile hardened steel for maximum durability
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for long-term survival in harsh environments
• Thread Pitch: Standard VW Metric to match factory trailing arm threads
• Compatibility: Works with both Link Pin (King Pin) and Ball Joint style front beams
• Tip Style: Conical/Tapered point for precise torsion leaf engagement

PRO TIPS

1. Clean and Chase the Threads Before Installation

Before installing your new grub screws, it is highly recommended to use a wire brush or a thread chaser to clean out the internal threads of the trailing arms. Years of road salt and grease can build up in these holes, which might lead to "false torque" where the screw feels tight but hasn''t actually reached the torsion leaf. A clean thread ensures that you can feel the exact moment the screw seats into the torsion bar dimple, which is critical for a secure lock.

2. The "Seat and Back-Off" Technique

To ensure the trailing arm is perfectly centered on the torsion stack, tighten the grub screw until it is firmly seated in the torsion bar leaf dimple. Once seated, back the screw off a quarter turn and then re-tighten it firmly. This process helps the tapered point find the absolute center of the dimple in the torsion leaves. After the screw is fully seated, hold it in place with your Allen wrench while you tighten the jam nut against the trailing arm to lock everything in place permanently.

3. Periodic Inspection and Re-Torquing

Suspension components on air-cooled Volkswagens are subject to significant vibration, especially on lowered cars or off-road buggies. It is a best practice to inspect your grub screws and jam nuts after the first 100 miles of driving following an installation or front-end rebuild. Check to ensure the jam nuts haven''t vibrated loose. Applying a small drop of medium-strength blue thread locker to the jam nut threads can provide an extra layer of security against the constant movement of the front suspension.