How to Replace a Tie Rod End in a VW Beetle
- 1). Buy tie rod ends that are specific to your VW Beetle. The Beetle's been underground a while, which means that the part for one model year may not fit another. The tie rod ends come with nuts and cotter pins (think bobby pin on steroids).
- 2). Remove the lug nuts on the front tires, then jack up the car. Once you have it safely secured on jack stands, remove the tires.
- 3). Loosen the jam nut on the top of the tie rod end. Use needle-nosed pliers to take out the cotter pin, then loosen and remove the nut.
- 4). Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle with a tie rod separator, then unscrew the tie rod end, keeping track of the number of turns it takes. Write that number down.
- 5). Screw on the new tie rod end, making sure you do it with the same number of turns it took to remove the original. Slip the tie rod back into the steering knuckle. Screw on the nut, and tighten it to 22 foot pounds. Tighten the jam nut to 55 foot pounds.
- 6). Repeat the steps for the other tie rod end, then put back on the tires. Tighten the lug nuts to 89 foot pounds, and get your VW Beetle aligned.