Tie Rod, Super Beetle Left Or Right 71-74

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the unique handling characteristics of the Volkswagen Super Beetle, maintaining the integrity of your steering linkage is not just a matter of performanceit is a matter of safety. The 1971 through 1974 Super Beetles featured a revolutionary MacPherson strut front suspension that differed significantly from the traditional torsion bar setup found on standard Beetles. This EMPI Tie Rod assembly is a precision-engineered, direct replacement designed to restore the tight, responsive steering feel that these cars were famous for when they rolled off the assembly line. Whether you are battling the dreaded "Super Beetle Shimmy" or simply performing routine maintenance, replacing your worn, original tie rods with these high-quality units is the most effective way to eliminate steering play and ensure your tires maintain the correct toe-in settings during cornering and straight-line cruising.

Crafted from heavy-duty forged steel, this complete tie rod assembly includes the center adjustment tube and both outer tie rod ends, providing a comprehensive solution for your front-end refresh. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that the steering geometry of the Type 131 and 133 models is sensitive to even the slightest amount of wear in the ball joints. This EMPI unit features durable rubber dust boots to protect the internal grease from road grime and moisture, ensuring a long service life even in harsh driving conditions. Because this rod is designed to fit either the left or the right side of the vehicle, it simplifies your restoration process. By upgrading to these robust components, you are investing in the stability and longevity of your classic air-cooled VW, allowing you to enjoy the road with the confidence that your steering system is up to factory specifications.

FITMENT

This tie rod assembly is specifically designed for the following Volkswagen models:

• VW Super Beetle (Type 1): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• VW Super Beetle Convertible: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Note: Fits both Left (Driver) and Right (Passenger) sides.
• Note: Specifically for models with MacPherson strut front suspension; will not fit standard torsion-beam Beetles.

SPECS

• Part Number: 133-415-801 (EMPI 98-4584-B)
• Product Weight: 2.41 lbs
• Material: High-tensile forged steel construction
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant black coating
• Components Included: Complete assembly with rod ends and adjustment tube
• Boot Material: Heavy-duty ozone-resistant rubber
• Hardware: Includes necessary castle nuts and cotter pins for installation
• Thread Type: Metric threads for precise factory-style adjustment

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Tackle the "Super Beetle Shimmy" Holistically. While replacing a worn tie rod is a critical step in fixing front-end vibrations, don''t stop there. The Super Beetle steering system relies on a delicate balance between the tie rods, the steering damper, and the lower control arm bushings. If your tie rods are shot, there is a high probability that your steering damper has also lost its resistance. I always recommend inspecting the damper and the urethane or rubber bushings on the track arm while the car is in the air. Replacing these components together will provide a night-and-day difference in steering stability.

Tip 2: The "Rough Alignment" Technique. When removing your old tie rod, use a set of calipers or a tape measure to record the exact center-to-center distance between the two tie rod end studs. Adjust your new EMPI tie rod to match this measurement exactly before installing it. While this does NOT replace the need for a professional laser alignment, it will get your toe-in close enough to safely drive the car to the alignment shop without scrubbing the tread off your expensive tires in the first five miles.

Tip 3: Never Forget the Anti-Seize. Before you install the new assembly, I highly suggest backing off the jam nuts and applying a light coat of high-quality anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the tie rod ends where they enter the adjustment tube. Volkswagen steering components are exposed to the elements, and these threads are notorious for rusting solid over time. Taking thirty seconds to lubricate them now ensures that your future alignment technician won''t have to use a torch on your brand-new parts to make a simple adjustment three years down the road.