{"product_id":"empi-tie-rod-end-vw-type-1-karmann-ghia-98-4511-b-oe-131-415-811","title":"EMPI Tie Rod End | VW Beetle \u0026 Karmann Ghia (Type 1) | OE 131-415-811 Cross-Ref (98-4511-B)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEMPI Tie Rod End — VW Type 1 Beetle \u0026amp; Karmann Ghia Steering | OE 131-415-811 (98-4511-B)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe EMPI 98-4511-B is a direct-replacement outer tie rod end for VW Type 1 Beetle and Karmann Ghia front steering, cross-referencing VW factory part 131-415-811 — the standard tie rod end VW used across the Type 1 line. It connects the tie rod to the steering knuckle. Sold as a single tie rod end; replace in pairs and re-align afterward.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart numbers:\u003c\/strong\u003e EMPI 98-4511-B \/ 984511B · VW 131 415 811 \/ 131415811 \/ 131-415-811\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eYears\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVehicle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll years (standard tie rod end)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVW Beetle (Type 1)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVerify with VW part #131-415-811\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll years (standard tie rod end)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVW Karmann Ghia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard tie rod end\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOther VW Type 1 applications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCross-referencing 131-415-811\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfirm with VW part number. 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. 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\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEMPI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e98-4511-B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVW factory cross-reference\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e131-415-811\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePosition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOuter tie rod end, front steering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnects tie rod to steering knuckle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSold as\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle tie rod end\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackage dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 x 4 x 3 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy It Matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA worn tie rod end is a safety issue — in extreme cases, severe wear can lead to separation and loss of steering control. Fresh tie rod ends let the front end hold a proper toe alignment, preventing uneven wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 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\u003eReplace both sides at once — if one tie rod end is worn after 50+ years, the other is too.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTie rod ends affect toe alignment directly, so the car must be re-aligned after replacement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I know if my VW Beetle tie rod end is bad?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJack 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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to replace both tie rod ends at once?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStrongly 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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill I need an alignment after replacing a tie rod end?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. 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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat tools do I need to replace a VW tie rod end?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the EMPI 98-4511-B an inner or outer tie rod end?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn 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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat VW part number does EMPI 98-4511-B replace?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt cross-references VW factory part 131-415-811.\u003c\/p\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\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eProp 65 Warning\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.p65warnings.ca.gov\"\u003ewww.P65Warnings.ca.gov\u003c\/a\u003e.\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:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-tie-rod-end-vw-type-1-karmann-ghia-98-4511-b-oe-131-415-811","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}