{"product_id":"empi-tie-rod-end-vw-type-1-karmann-ghia-98-4511-b-oe-131-415-812","title":"EMPI Tie Rod End | VW Beetle \u0026 Karmann Ghia (Type 1) | OE 131-415-811 Cross-Ref (98-4511-B)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Tie Rod End — VW Type 1 Beetle \u0026amp; Karmann Ghia Steering | OE 131-415-811 (98-4511-B)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eEMPI 98-4511-B tie rod end\u003c\/b\u003e is a direct replacement for VW Type 1 Beetle and Karmann Ghia steering, cross-referencing the original VW factory part \u003cb\u003e#131-415-811\u003c\/b\u003e — the standard tie rod end VW used across the Type 1 line. It connects the tie rod to the steering knuckle on the front steering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTie rod ends are wear items, and on a 50+ year-old VW they're almost always due for replacement. The internal ball joint wears out, develops play, and eventually allows the front wheels to move independently of steering input. Symptoms include vague steering response, clunking over bumps, uneven tire wear, and the inability to hold a proper alignment. A worn tie rod end is a safety issue — in extreme cases, severe wear can lead to separation and loss of steering control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Beetle (Type 1):\u003c\/b\u003e All years using the standard tie rod end (verify with VW part #131-415-811)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Karmann Ghia:\u003c\/b\u003e All years using the standard tie rod end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOther VW Type 1 applications:\u003c\/b\u003e Cross-referencing 131-415-811\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConfirm with VW part number.\u003c\/b\u003e VW used the 131-415-811 tie rod end across most of the Type 1 line, but a few year\/model combinations used slightly different parts. The fastest way to confirm fit is to check your existing tie rod end's part number stamping (if visible) or measure the threaded section and ball-joint stud diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRestores steering precision:\u003c\/b\u003e Eliminates the play, vague response, and clunking of a worn tie rod end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eProtects your tires:\u003c\/b\u003e Fresh tie rod ends let the front end hold a proper toe alignment, preventing uneven wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEasy to install:\u003c\/b\u003e Inexpensive to replace with basic hand tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOE cross-reference:\u003c\/b\u003e Direct replacement for VW factory #131-415-811\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBrand:\u003c\/b\u003e EMPI\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart number:\u003c\/b\u003e 98-4511-B\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW factory cross-reference:\u003c\/b\u003e 131-415-811\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSold as:\u003c\/b\u003e Single tie rod end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eApplication:\u003c\/b\u003e Front steering — connects tie rod to steering knuckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHow do I know if my tie rod end is bad?\u003c\/b\u003e Jack the front of the car up, grab the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock, and shake it side to side. Play or clunking from the tie rod end indicates wear. Also check during steering — if the wheel can be turned with looseness at the tie rod, replace it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDo I need to replace both sides at once?\u003c\/b\u003e Strongly recommended. If one tie rod end is worn after 50+ years, the other is too. Replacing only one is false economy and creates an uneven steering feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill I need an alignment afterward?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes. Tie rod ends affect toe alignment directly. After replacement, the car must be re-aligned — without it, you'll experience rapid tire wear and unpredictable steering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDo I need any special tools?\u003c\/b\u003e A tie rod end \"pickle fork\" or a small ball joint separator helps press the tapered stud out of the steering knuckle. Otherwise, basic hand tools are sufficient.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat's the difference between the inner and outer tie rod end?\u003c\/b\u003e On the Type 1 VW front end, the tie rod is a single rod with adjustable ends. This part is the outer tie rod end that connects to the steering knuckle. The inner end connects to the steering damper\/center link.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDoes this come with a grease fitting?\u003c\/b\u003e Most modern EMPI tie rod ends are sealed-for-life designs without grease fittings. They don't require periodic lubrication, but they also can't be re-greased if dry — they're replacement items rather than serviceable parts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefreshing your front end? Browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/steering\"\u003eSteering\u003c\/a\u003e for tie rods, dampers, and boxes, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e for front-end components, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-beetle\"\u003eVW Beetle\u003c\/a\u003e for more Type 1 parts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44898763276403,"sku":"98-4511-B","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/98-4511-B.jpg?v=1777219468","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-tie-rod-end-vw-type-1-karmann-ghia-98-4511-b-oe-131-415-812","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}