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Every Single Torque Setting for Every Single Bolt on your Aircooled VW

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Limebug Guide · Guide

Every Single Torque Setting for Every Single Bolt on your Aircooled VW

30 min read6 Oct 2026

Limebug technical reference

This reference consolidates Volkswagen dealer data, workshop/manual information and specialist hardware records into one torque guide. All torque values are shown in both ft-lb and Nm. Nm figures are calculated at 1 ft-lb = 1.355817948 Nm and rounded to one decimal place.

Important: Identify the exact model, model year, thread size and fastener before tightening. Volkswagen changed hardware during production, and visually similar Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 and Type 181 parts can use different torques. Aftermarket ARP/chromoly/racing hardware must follow its manufacturer specification. Adjustment procedures and castellated-nut alignment instructions are not interchangeable with a simple final torque.
CoverageFastenersBeetle / GhiaSplit 1950–67Bay 1968–79Type 3 / 34FridolinType 181411 / 412WorldwideBrazilMexicoSystem tablesType 1 engineType 4 engineGearboxSequencesQuick answers

Aircooled VW coverage through 1979

This guide is organised by Volkswagen model family first, then by mechanical system. Where different models share the same factory engine, gearbox or fastener, the shared specification is stated once and the model section points to it. Market-specific body hardware should always be matched by part and year.

Type 1 Beetle & Cabriolet1945–79 coverage · early 25/30/34 bhp through 1600 · king/link-pin, ball-joint and 1302/1303 strut front ends
Karmann Ghia Type 141955–74 · Type 1 drivetrain and chassis torque where corresponding hardware is shared
Type 2 Split Screen1950–67 · link-pin front axle, reduction-box rear axle and early transaxle data
Type 2 Bay Window1968–79 · 1600 Type 1 engine to 1971, 1.7/1.8/2.0 Type 4 engines from 1972, 002/091 drivetrain
Type 3 & Type 34Type 3 1961–73 · Type 34 1961–69 · flat Type 3 engine, front axle, brakes, body/subframe and drivetrain data
Fridolin Type 1471964–74 · shared Type 1/Type 2 mechanical hardware identified by component rather than assumed by body type
Type 181 / Thing / Trekker1969–79 reference · German-built production to 1978 with market variants continuing · Type 1 engine family, Type 181-specific raised ball-joint front end and year-dependent rear drivetrain
Type 4 411 / 4121968–74 · dedicated Type 4 engine, 004 manual/automatic transmission and independent rear axle data
Brazilian VW 1600 / TL / Variant1968–79 coverage · Brazilian aircooled Type 3-derived family; match the actual engine, front suspension, brakes and transaxle before using a shared table
VW SP1 / SP21972–76 · Brazilian aircooled sports models; SP1 1600 and SP2 1700 require component-level matching rather than a blanket Type 3 assumption
Volkswagen Brasilia1973–79 coverage · 1584 cc aircooled rear engine, torsion-bar front suspension, swing-type rear suspension, front discs and rear drums
Brazilian KombiThrough 1979 · Brazilian Type 2 production spans late split-screen and later bay-front body forms; use exact chassis and drivetrain hardware
Mexican-built Beetle / SedanThrough 1979 coverage · Type 1 mechanical family with market-specific year and hardware changes; use exact engine, brake, suspension and fastener generation
How to read this database: Every torque row carries the model / year context beside the component so the value remains understandable when extracted on its own. A dash means no extra fastener detail is required or safely established; it does not mean the torque is unknown.

Worldwide derivatives: Brazilian and other market-built aircooled Volkswagens through 1979 are best matched by the exact drivetrain and fastener fitted. Shared Type 1/Type 2/Type 3 hardware is covered here; market-only body and chassis fasteners should not be inferred solely from model appearance.

General fastener dimensions & hardware details

Where a property class, head style, seat, shoulder or exact length is known for the specific VW fastener it is shown here. A dash means the detail is not needed to apply the torque figure safely or varies by exact production hardware; it is not a recommendation to substitute any grade.

VW workshop torque tables often identify diameter and pitch but not bolt length or wrench size. The following physical details are from current specialist hardware listings or VW dealer data and are therefore kept separate from generic assumptions.

VW part / reference Component Dimensions Grade / construction Features Model / years
111 513 475A Front upper / rear lower shock bolt M12×1.5×90 mm 10.9 DIN 960 fine thread high-tensile Split Screen Type 2 63–67; swing-axle Beetle rear lower; other VW applications
111 413 403A Rear upper shock bolt M12×1.5×65 mm 10.9 DIN 960 fine thread high-tensile Split Screen Type 2 55–67; selected Beetle/Type 3 shock applications
211 499 001A Front axle mounting bolt kit Size varies by supplied kit 12.9 High-tensile front beam mounting hardware Split Screen Type 2 / Bay Window 1968–79
111 601 139 / early wheel bolt Wheel bolt M12×1.5 × 26 mm shank — 17 mm hex · radius seat · metric fine Early Beetle / Karmann Ghia / Type 3
Metric fine: where the thread pitch is smaller than the normal coarse ISO pitch for that diameter (for example M12×1.5 rather than M12×1.75), the table labels it as metric fine. Never substitute a coarse-thread bolt merely because the nominal diameter is the same.

All torque grids use the same field order: component first, then model / years, then fastener details where they are known, followed by ft-lb and Nm. A fastener column is omitted entirely when the section has no verified fastener data, rather than filling it with empty values.

Model-specific torque sections

Beetle / Type 1Main Type 1 torque data below covers the common 1966–79 workshop reference period. Standard Beetles use torsion-beam front suspension; 1302/1303 use MacPherson struts.
Karmann Ghia Type 14 — 1955–74Shares Type 1 engine, transaxle, braking and torsion-beam running gear by corresponding year; body-specific Karmann fasteners remain separate.
Split Screen Type 2 — 1950–67 (German-built)Dedicated Bus chassis and suspension values are separated from Beetle data.
Type 2 Bay Window — 1968–79 (German-built)Dedicated Bay chassis/suspension table plus year-specific engine and gearbox family guide.
Type 3 — 1961–73 / Type 34 — 1961–69 (German-built)Uses several materially different engine and steering torques; do not assume Beetle values.
Fridolin Type 147 — 1964–74Uses shared VW running-gear architecture but should be matched by exact component/thread before applying another model’s torque.

Type 1 Beetle & Cabriolet through 1979 / Karmann Ghia Type 14 1955–74

Type 1 rule of thumbBeetle and Type 14 Karmann Ghia share a large proportion of engine, transaxle, brake and suspension hardware, but fastener diameter and year still control the torque. Early 30 bhp/34 bhp engines and 1302/1303 front suspension must not be treated as identical to later 1600 torsion-beam cars.

Early Type 1 engine — 30 bhp and 34/42 bhp factory reference

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Crankcase halves — large nutsEarly 30 bhp exception. 30 bhp engine M10 22 29.8
Crankcase halves — large nuts 34 / 42 bhp engine M12×1.5 25 33.9
Crankcase halves — small nuts / bolts 34 / 42 bhp engine M8 14 19.0
Cylinder head nutsTighten progressively in sequence. 30 bhp engine M10 26–27 35.3–36.6
Cylinder head nutsTighten progressively in sequence. 34 / 42 bhp engine M10 23 31.2
Rocker shaft nuts 34 / 42 bhp engine M8 14–18 19.0–24.4
Flywheel gland nut 34 / 42 bhp engine M28×1.5 217 294.2
Connecting rod bolts 34 / 42 bhp engine M9×1 29–36 39.3–48.8
Fan nut 34 / 42 bhp engine M12×1.5 40–47 54.2–63.7
Generator pulley nut 34 / 42 bhp engine M12×1.5 40–47 54.2–63.7
Crankshaft pulley bolt 34 / 42 bhp engine — 29–36 39.3–48.8
Spark plugs 34 / 42 bhp engine M14×1.25 22–29 29.8–39.3
Oil drain plug 34 / 42 bhp engine M14×1.5 25 33.9
Oil drain plug 30 bhp engine M18×1.5 22–29 29.8–39.3
Spark-plug insert 30 bhp engine M18×1.5 50–54 67.8–73.2
Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm

The broad system tables later in this guide are the main reference for Beetle and Type 14 Karmann Ghia mechanical torque. Match the year and front-suspension type before use: standard Beetles and Ghias use the torsion-beam data, while 1302/1303 Super Beetles use the separate MacPherson-strut table.

EngineTorsion-beam front axle1302 / 1303 strut frontBrakesManual gearboxAutomatic Stick Shift

Split Screen Type 2 1950–67 (German-built)

Split Screen quick identificationSplit buses use substantially higher front-beam mounting torque than Type 1 cars and use reduction-box rear-drive hardware. Do not substitute Beetle front-axle or rear-hub figures simply because the threads look similar.
Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Front axle to frame side member Split Screen Type 2 — factory reference M12×1.5 72–80 97.6–108.5
Upper / lower steering arm bolt — early chassis Split Screen Type 2 — early M12×1.5 47–54 63.7–73.2
Swing-lever bolt — later chassis Split Screen Type 2 — later M12×1.5 43 58.3
Drop arm nut Split Screen Type 2 M20×1.5 58–72 78.6–97.6
Steering gear bracket to frame Split Screen Type 2 M10 29–32 39.3–43.4
Steering gear to bracket Split Screen Type 2 M10 29–32 39.3–43.4
Steering damper to axle tube Split Screen Type 2 — later M10 29–32 39.3–43.4
Steering damper to swing lever Split Screen Type 2 M10 29–32 39.3–43.4
Tie-rod end to steering knuckle / swing leverCastellated/slotted nut: continue only as required for split-pin alignment where specified. Split Screen Type 2 M10×1 18 24.4
Front shock absorber upper — early Split Screen Type 2 — early M10 29–32 39.3–43.4
Front shock absorber upper — later Split Screen Type 2 — later M12×1.5 50–58 67.8–78.6
Front shock absorber lower Split Screen Type 2 M10 18–22 24.4–29.8
Rear axle shaft nut — early Type 2 Split Screen Type 2 — early M24×1.5 217 294.2
Rear axle shaft nut — later Type 2 Split Screen Type 2 — later M30×1.5 217–253 294.2–343.0
Reduction-box driven-shaft nut Split Screen Type 2 — Aug 1963 onward M30×1.5 108 146.4
Spring plate to reduction gearbox screws Split Screen Type 2 M12×1.5 72–87 97.6–118.0
Transmission carrier to frame Split Screen Type 2 M18×1.5 166 225.1
Wheel bolts Split Screen Type 2 M14×1.5 87 118.0
Front brake backplate / wheel-cylinder mounting Split Screen Type 2 M10 40–43 54.2–58.3
Rear bearing cover to brake backplate Split Screen Type 2 M10 40–43 54.2–58.3
Brake hose / pipe union Split Screen Type 2 M10×1 10–14 13.6–19.0
Brake-light switch Split Screen Type 2 M10×1 10–14 13.6–19.0

These are Split-specific values and hardware details that could be verified cleanly from VW dealer references and specialist replacement hardware records. This section is intentionally narrower than the Beetle master table rather than filling gaps with assumptions.

Type 2 Bay Window 1968–79 (German-built)

Bay Window running gear changed substantially across production. Use this section for Bus-specific chassis, steering and suspension values, and identify the engine/gearbox family before using engine or transmission torque data.

Years Engine Gearbox Key change Torque reference
1968–70 1600 Type 1 upright 002 manual Single-port era Match Type 1 engine fastener/year data; use Bay chassis table below.
1971 1600 Type 1 upright 002 manual Dual-port; front disc-brake year change Match 1600 Type 1 engine data; use Bay chassis table below.
1972–73 1.7 L Type 4 002 manual Type 4 engine introduced Do not substitute Type 1 engine torque for Type 4 engine internals.
1974–75 1.8 L Type 4 002 manual 1.8 L Type 4 Use Bay chassis table; engine-specific Type 4 values require the matching engine data.
1976–79 2.0 L Type 4 091 manual Later 2.0 L drivetrain Use Bay chassis table; do not apply earlier 002/Type 1 assumptions.
Bay Window engine split1968–71 Bay Windows use the upright Type 1 engine family. 1972–79 German-built Bays use Type 4 engines, so internal engine torque values must come from the Type 4 table rather than the Type 1 table.
1968–71 Type 1 engine1972–79 Type 4 engineBay chassisLate Bay rear axle

Type 2 Bay Window chassis, steering & suspension

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Wheel bolts Type 2 Bay Window M14×1.5 94 127.4
Wheel nuts Type 2 Bay Window — where fitted — 101 136.9
Front axle mounting bolts to frame Type 2 Bay Window — 65–90 88.1–122.0
Steering damper to axle tube Type 2 Bay Window M10 29–32 39.3–43.4
Steering ball joint to knuckle Type 2 Bay Window — 72 97.6
Stabilizer to torsion arm Type 2 Bay Window — 25–36 33.9–48.8
Tie-rod end to steering knuckle Type 2 Bay Window — 22 29.8
Shock absorber to torsion arm Type 2 Bay Window — 18–25 24.4–33.9
Shock absorber to side plate Type 2 Bay Window — 36 48.8
Drop arm to sector shaft — slotted nutContinue only as required to align the split pin where specified. Type 2 Bay Window — 58–80 78.6–108.5
Tie-rod clamp bolt Type 2 Bay Window — 11–14 14.9–19.0
Backplate to steering knuckle Type 2 Bay Window — 36–43 48.8–58.3
Steering gear to side member Type 2 Bay Window — 25–36 33.9–48.8
Diagonal arm to rear wheel-bearing housing Type 2 Bay Window — later independent rear suspension M14×1.5 94 127.4
Diagonal arm to frame Type 2 Bay Window — later independent rear suspension M12×1.5 58 78.6
Rear shock absorber to frame / bearing housing Type 2 Bay Window — later M12×1.5 43 58.3
Drive shaft / flange socket-head screw Type 2 Bay Window — later CV drivetrain M8 25 33.9
Spring-plate bushing cover Type 2 Bay Window M10 32 43.4
Rear brake backplate to housing Type 2 Bay Window — M8 hardware M8 18 24.4
Rear brake backplate to housing Type 2 Bay Window — M10 hardware M10 25 33.9
Rear wheel hub / shaft castellated nutMinimum/preload procedures vary; follow the matching workshop procedure and split-pin alignment instruction. Type 2 Bay Window — later M30×1.5 253 343.0
Steering wheel / column nut Type 2 Bay Window — 36 48.8

Type 3 1961–73 & Type 34 1961–69 (German-built)

This table comes from Volkswagen’s January 1964 Without Guesswork Type 3 dealer reference. Type 34 Karmann-Ghia Coupé is explicitly included within the Type 3 model family in that publication.

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Crankcase halves — large nuts Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M12×1.5 25 33.9
Crankcase halves — small nuts / bolts Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M8 14 19.0
Cylinder head nutsTighten progressively in the prescribed sequence. Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10 22–23 29.8–31.2
Rocker shaft nuts Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M8 18 24.4
Flywheel gland nut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M28×1.5 217 294.2
Connecting rod nuts Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M9×1 36 48.8
Fan / crankshaft pulley screw Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M20×1.5 109 147.8
Generator pulley nut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M12×1.5 33 44.7
Spark plugs Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M14×1.25 22 29.8
Oil drain plug Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M14×1.5 25 33.9
Steering wheel nut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M18×1.5 29 39.3
Steering gear to axle beam nuts Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10 18 24.4
Torsion-arm locknut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10×1 18 24.4
Roller-shaft adjusting-screw locknut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10×1 18 24.4
Drop-arm mounting screw Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M12×1.5 51 69.1
Steering arm Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10×1 40 54.2

Type 3 / Type 34 chassis, brakes & front axle

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Ball-joint clamping screw Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M8×40 25 33.9
Ball-joint nut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M18×1 80 108.5
Torsion-bar / stabilizer mounting grub screw Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M14×1.5 29 39.3
Grub-screw locknut Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M14×1.5 22 29.8
Front axle bracket — upper / lower Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10 22 29.8
Front axle bracket — centre Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10 29 39.3
Brake backplate bolt Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10×1.5 40 54.2
Brake wheel cylinder Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M8 18–22 24.4–29.8
Brake hose / pipe union Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10×1 11–14 14.9–19.0
Bleeder screw Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10×1 3.5 4.7
Wheel bolt Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M12×1.5 72 97.6
Body mounting bolt — M8 Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M8 7–11 9.5–14.9
Body mounting bolt — M10 Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10 11–14 14.9–19.0
Subframe mounting bolt — M8 Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M8 18 24.4
Subframe mounting bolt — M10 Type 3 / Type 34 — Jan 1964 factory reference M10 33 44.7

Fridolin Type 147 1964–74

Period Type 147 literature identifies a 1192 cc / 34 PS engine, four-speed fully synchronised transaxle, swing axles, torsion-bar independent suspension and a front anti-roll bar. That makes many components recognisably Volkswagen, but there is not enough model-specific torque material in the accessible Type 147 owner literature to publish a fully independent Fridolin torque chart without cross-identifying each part number. For Fridolin work, use the matching Type 1/Type 2 torque only where the actual component and thread are confirmed.

Type 181 / Thing / Trekker 1969–79 reference

The Type 181 uses the Type 1 engine family but its suspension and rear drivetrain are not simply a Beetle copy. Early vehicles use a swing-axle/reduction-box rear arrangement; later vehicles use IRS. The upper front ball joint/eccentric hardware is also Type 181-specific.

Engine1500/1600 Type 1 family — use the matching Type 1 engine fastener and year data.
Rear drivetrainEarly: swing axle with reduction gearing. Later: IRS. Identify the exact gearbox/rear-end version before using hub, spring-plate or CV values.
Front suspensionTorsion-bar layout derived from Type 1, but Type 181 ball-joint/eccentric hardware must be identified separately.
TransmissionThing-specific gearing/codes exist even where internal fasteners share Type 1 practice.
Type 181 safest lookup methodUse the Type 1 engine table for an original matching 1500/1600 engine, then identify the front suspension and rear drivetrain by actual Type 181 component and year. Do not apply Split Bus reduction-box torque solely because both systems use reduction gearing.

Type 181 commonly serviced torque settings

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Pitman / drop-arm clamping bolt Type 181 — ball-joint front — 51 69.1
Steering coupler fasteners Type 181 — ball-joint front — 22 29.8
Steering box clamp to beam Type 181 — ball-joint front — 22 29.8
Rear axle / hub castellated nutContinue only as required for cotter-pin alignment; do not back off to align. Type 181 — 1973–74 IRS civilian specification M24×1.5 · 36 mm castellated nut 253 343.0
Flywheel gland nut Type 181 — original 1600 Type 1 engine M28×1.5 253 343.0
Clutch pressure plate to flywheel Type 181 — original 1600 Type 1 engine M8 18 24.4

Type 4 411 / 412 1968–74 (German-built)

Type 4 cars use a distinct engine, transmission and independent rear suspension. Their engine torque figures also apply to the corresponding Type 4 engine family used in 1972–79 German-built Bay Windows when the same fastener and engine version are fitted.

Type 4 engineType 4 gearboxType 4 rear axle

Worldwide aircooled Volkswagen derivatives through 1979

Regional Volkswagen models are included by mechanical family and fitted hardware. A shared German torque value is only applicable when the engine, gearbox, suspension, brake or fastener is the same specification. This avoids creating false certainty simply because two cars share a Volkswagen badge or aircooled engine layout.

Brazilian-built aircooled Volkswagens through 1979

VW 1600 / TL / Variant / Variant IIBrazilian Type 3-derived family through 1979. Use Type 3 engine, steering, brake or transaxle data only where the actual component and thread match.
SP1 / SP2 — 1972–76SP1 uses a 1600 aircooled engine; SP2 uses the enlarged 1700 derivative. Treat engine-specific internal hardware separately where displacement-specific parts differ.
Brasilia — 1973–79 coverage1584 cc rear-mounted aircooled engine, transverse torsion-bar front suspension, swing-type rear suspension, front disc/rear drum brakes. Match each assembly to the actual fitted fastener before applying Type 1 or Type 3 data.
Brazilian Kombi / Type 2Brazil retained split-screen production later than Germany and then adopted the bay-front body. Do not infer German model-year torque changes from body shape alone; identify beam, hub, brake, gearbox and engine hardware.
Brazilian model lookup ruleFor a Brasilia, SP1/SP2, TL/Variant or Brazilian Kombi, start with the model section to identify the mechanical family, then use the relevant system table only after confirming thread size and component design. Market-specific body fasteners are intentionally not invented.

Mexican-built Type 1 / Sedan through 1979

Mexican Beetle production continued with Type 1 mechanical architecture but did not always follow German year changes at the same time. Use the Type 1 engine, torsion-beam, brake and transaxle tables by the actual fitted hardware and engine generation, not the German model year alone.

Mexican Beetle lookup ruleIf the car has an original Mexican-market component that differs from the German reference year, the component, thread and part design take priority over the calendar year printed in a German workshop chart.

Regional model-to-system map

Model Years in scope Engine family Chassis / drivetrain cue Use these tables first
VW 1600 / TL / Variant 1968–79 Brazilian Type 3-derived aircooled flat engine Confirm front axle, brakes and transaxle by component Type 3 / Type 34, then shared system table
SP1 1972–76 1600 aircooled Brazil-specific sports body and running gear Type 3-derived/shared hardware only after verification
SP2 1972–76 1700 aircooled derivative Brazil-specific sports body and running gear Shared hardware where confirmed; do not assume 1600 internal engine torque
Brasilia 1973–79 1584 cc aircooled Torsion-bar front, swing-type rear, front disc/rear drum Type 1/Type 3 shared systems by exact hardware
Brazilian Kombi Through 1979 Aircooled Type 1-family variants in this period Late split-screen then bay-front production Split or Bay chassis only after confirming actual hardware
Mexican Beetle / Sedan Through 1979 Type 1 Torsion-beam Type 1 architecture with market-specific timing of changes Type 1 engine/front axle/brakes/transaxle by fitted component
Regional derivatives: this guide deliberately maps shared mechanical systems rather than duplicating the same torque under multiple model names. A duplicate value is not stronger evidence; exact component identity is.

System-specific torque tables

These tables are arranged by assembly rather than model. Use them after identifying the vehicle and year in the model sections above.

Engine — Type 1 workshop reference (primarily 1966–79)

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Connecting rod nut

24-25 ft-lb appears as nominal figure in earlier tables; use exact rod/bolt maker spec for aftermarket rods.
 Type 1 — stock M9×1 · fine thread · VW 8G / tensile class 8 22–25 29.8–33.9
Connecting rod capscrew Type 1 / Type 3 M9×1 · fine thread · VW 8G / tensile class 8 32 43.4
Crankcase nuts / bolts Type 1 M8 · pitch not listed · VW 5S 14 19.0
Crankcase nut

Year/application-specific · For later 10 mm case hardware use 18 ft-lb; earlier tables can group larger case hardware differently.
 Type 1 M10 · pitch not listed 18 24.4
Crankcase nut

Year/application-specific
 Type 1 M12×1.5 · fine thread · VW 35S / 20K 25 33.9
Cylinder head nut

Use correct staged torque sequence.
 Stock 8 mm studs M8 · pitch not listed 18 24.4
Cylinder head nut

Use correct staged torque sequence.
 Stock 10 mm studs M10 · pitch not listed · VW 35S / 20KV 23 31.2
Cylinder head nut

Aftermarket · Aftermarket hardware: use the component manufacturer’s stated torque if supplied.
 Chromoly 8 mm studs M8 · pitch not listed 23 31.2
Rocker shaft nuts

18 ft-lb often listed as a nominal figure. 22 ft-lb appears in a separate performance/general list and needs hardware-specific confirmation.
 Stock M8 · pitch not listed 14–18 19.0–24.4
Heat exchanger to head Type 1 / Type 3 M8 · pitch not listed 14 19.0
Muffler clamp bolts Type 1 / Type 3 M6 · pitch not listed 7 9.5
Intake manifold nut

Application-dependent · Single-port applications can use smaller manifold hardware; confirm the fitted stud size before tightening.
 Some Type 1 / Type 3 references M8 · pitch not listed 14 19.0
Preheat flange bolt Type 1 / Type 3 M6 · pitch not listed 7 9.5
Oil pump nut M8 application M8 · pitch not listed 14 19.0
Oil pump nut M6 application M6 · pitch not listed 9 12.2
Oil drain plug

Year-specific · Earlier 1300/1500 charts also show 33 ft-lb; keep year split.
 Later Type 1 M14×1.5 · fine thread 25 33.9
Oil drain plug

Year-specific · Conflicts with later 25 ft-lb figure; likely year/application change.
 1966-69 1300/1500 — 33 44.7
Oil strainer / sump screen nuts

Low torque; easy to strip.
 Type 1 / applicable VW M6 · pitch not listed 5 6.8
Oil cooler nut Type 1 / applicable VW M6 · pitch not listed 5 6.8
Oil filler gland nut Type 1 / applicable VW — 40 54.2
Flywheel gland nut

Year/engine specific · Earlier-engine figure; keep separate from the later 1600 specification.
 1200 / 1300 / 1500 M28×1.5 · fine thread 217 294.2
Flywheel gland nut

Year/engine specific · Later 1600 figure; 235 ft-lb appears in a generic Type 1-3 chart and is retained in Contradictions sheet.
 1600 stock M28×1.5 · fine thread 253 343.0
Flywheel gland nut

Aftermarket · Use gland-nut manufacturer specification; 350 is a common performance reference, not a stock VW value.
 Racing / HD aftermarket Aftermarket 350 474.5
Clutch / pressure plate to flywheel Type 1 / applicable VW M8 · pitch not listed 18 24.4
Spark plugs

25 ft-lb is a common nominal value inside this range.
 Stock heads M14×1.25 · fine thread 22–29 29.8–39.3
Engine to transmission nut

Confirmed nominal · Some later tables show 22-29 depending fastener/location.
 Type 1 / applicable VW M10 · pitch not listed 22 29.8
Crossmember bolt Type 1 M8 · pitch not listed 18 24.4
Crossmember bolt Type 1 M10 · pitch not listed 29 39.3
Crossmember to body Type 1 / applicable VW M8 · pitch not listed 18 24.4
Generator / alternator pulley nut

43 ft-lb often listed as nominal.
 Type 1 / applicable VW M12×1.5 · fine thread 40–47 54.2–63.7
Cooling fan nut

43 ft-lb often listed as nominal.
 Type 1 / applicable VW M12×1.5 · fine thread 40–47 54.2–63.7
Crankshaft pulley bolt

32-33 ft-lb are nominal values in older summaries.
 Type 1 M20×1.5 · fine thread 29–36 39.3–48.8
Crankshaft pulley bolt

Model-specific
 Type 3 M20×1.5 · fine thread 94–108 127.4–146.4
Cam gear bolts

Aftermarket / procedural · Common recommendation with threadlocker; verify cam maker.
 Aftermarket bolted cam — 18 24.4
Injector / manifold bolts to cylinder head Fuel injected Type 1 — 4 5.4
Torque converter to drive plate

Year-specific
 1966-69 Automatic Stick Shift — 22 29.8

Type 4 engine — 411 / 412 and 1972–79 Bay Window

Critical Type 4 warningThe Type 4 oil-strainer / sump-cover sealing nut is only 9 ft-lb / 12.2 Nm. Over-tightening can damage the crankcase. Type 4 flywheel and automatic drive-plate hardware are multi-bolt arrangements and must not be confused with the Type 1 gland nut.
Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Connecting rod nuts Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M9×1 · fine thread 24 32.5
Crankcase halves — nuts Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 14 19.0
Crankcase halves — sealing nut Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M10×1.25 · fine thread 25 33.9
Cylinder head nutsTighten progressively in the prescribed sequence. Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M10 23 31.2
Rocker shaft to cylinder head Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M7 10 13.6
Heat exchanger to cylinder head Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · self-locking nut 16 21.7
Muffler to heat exchanger Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · self-locking nut 14 19.0
Oil drain plug Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M12×1.5 · fine thread 16 21.7
Oil strainer / sump-cover sealing nutDo not exceed the specified torque. Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · sealing nut 9 12.2
Drive plate to crankshaft Type 4 automatic application M12×1.5 · socket-head · 10K / high-strength 65 88.1
Hub to crankshaft Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · self-locking bolt 23 31.2
Fan to hub Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · socket-head 14 19.0
Extension shaft / pulley to fan Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 14 19.0
Spark plugs Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M14×1.25 22 29.8
Engine to transmission nuts Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M10 22 29.8
Engine-bearer support to crankcase Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · self-locking bolt 22 29.8
Bonded rubber mounting to support / engine bearer Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · self-locking nut 14 19.0
Engine bearer to bearer mounting Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 14 19.0
Engine bearer mounting to body Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 · self-locking nut 14 19.0
Oil pump to crankcase Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M8 14 19.0
Oil cooler to crankcase Type 4 1700 / 1800 / 2000 M6 5 6.8
Flywheel to crankshaft — five-bolt flywheelThis is not a Type 1 gland-nut specification. Type 4 manual application M12×1.5 · self-locking bolt 80 108.5
Clutch pressure plate to flywheel Type 4 manual application M8×20 18 24.4
Torque converter to drive plate Type 4 automatic application M8 14 19.0

Front axle & steering — Type 1 torsion-beam

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Front axle / beam to frame Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam — 36 48.8
Body to front axle / beam

14 ft-lb nominal appears in generic tables.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam — 11–14 14.9–19.0
Shock absorber to beam side plate Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10 · pitch not listed 14 19.0
Shock absorber to beam side plate

Size-specific
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M12×1.5 · fine thread 22–25 29.8–33.9
Shock absorber to lower torsion arm Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10 · pitch not listed 22–25 29.8–33.9
Steering damper to axle / beam Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10 · pitch not listed 29–32 39.3–43.4
Steering damper to tie rod Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10×1 · fine thread 18 24.4
Tie rod to steering knuckle / drop arm castellated nut

Size-specific
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10×1 · fine thread 18 24.4
Tie rod to steering knuckle / drop arm castellated nut

Size-specific · Where cotter pin is used, tighten further to next hole if specified; do not back off.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M12×1.5 · fine thread 22 29.8
Tie rod clamp bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M8×1 · fine thread 11 14.9
Tie rod taper-ring locknut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M14×1.5 · fine thread 18 24.4
Torsion bar set screw Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M14×1.5 · fine thread 29–36 39.3–48.8
Torsion bar set screw locknut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M14×1.5 · fine thread 29–36 39.3–48.8
Steering ball joint to steering knuckle nut

Size-specific
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10×1 · fine thread 29–36 39.3–48.8
Steering ball joint to steering knuckle nut

Size-specific · Explains older nominal 38/50/51 values.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M12×1.5 · fine thread 36–51 48.8–69.1
Steering gearbox to front axle / beam Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10 · pitch not listed 18–22 24.4–29.8
Worm shaft to steering coupling bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M8 · pitch not listed 14–18 19.0–24.4
Drop arm to roller shaft clamp bolt

Component-specific · Do not confuse with 72 ft-lb drop-arm retaining nut used on some Super Beetle steering boxes.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M12×1.5 · fine thread 51 69.1
Drop arm retaining nut

Model-specific · Peen after torquing where specified.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam — 72 97.6
Locknut for drop-arm shaft adjusting screw Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M10×1 · fine thread 18 24.4
Worm spindle adjusting screw locknut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M35×1.5 · fine thread 36–42 48.8–56.9
Steering gear housing cover bolts Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M8×1.25 · standard pitch 14–18 19.0–24.4
Steering wheel to column nut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M18×1.5 · fine thread 36 48.8
Steering coupling flange to disc Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M8 · pitch not listed 11 14.9
Column to coupling flange Beetle / Karmann Ghia — torsion-beam M8 · pitch not listed 11 14.9

MacPherson strut — 1302 / 1303 Super Beetle

Component Model / years ft-lb Nm
Track control arm to frame head nut 1302 / 1303 Super Beetle 29 39.3
Track control arm to ball joint nut 1302 / 1303 Super Beetle 29 39.3
Ball joint stud in steering knuckle

Year-specific
 1302 / 1303 — 1974 25 33.9
Stabilizer to track control arm nut

Continue to cotter-pin alignment where specified.
 1302 / 1303 22 29.8
Stabilizer clamp to frame head bolt

Year-specific
 1971-73 14 19.0
Stabilizer clamp to frame head bolt

Year-specific
 1302 / 1303 — 1974 29 39.3
Strut piston / upper bearing self-locking nut

Year-specific
 1971-mid 1973 50–61 67.8–82.7
Strut piston / upper bearing self-locking nut

Year-specific
 mid 1973-79 43 58.3
Steering knuckle / ball joint to strut bolt early 29 39.3
Steering knuckle to strut bolt

Year-specific
 1302 / 1303 — 1974 61 82.7
Strut to body nuts 1302 / 1303 14 19.0
Idler arm bracket to body bolt 1302 / 1303 22 29.8
Idler arm to bracket nut 1302 / 1303 29 39.3
Steering damper to frame head bolt 1302 / 1303 43 58.3
Steering damper to drop arm bolt 1302 / 1303 29–32 39.3–43.4
Steering gearbox to body bolt 1302 / 1303 29 39.3
Tie rod inner end to steering rack bolt 1302 / 1303 40 54.2
Rack and pinion mounting bracket to rack nut/bolt 1302 / 1303 14 19.0
Rack and pinion to mounting brackets 1302 / 1303 18 24.4
Rack mounting brackets to side members 1302 / 1303 32 43.4

Brakes — Type 1 workshop reference

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Master cylinder stop screw Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 3.5–7 4.7–9.5
Master cylinder residual pressure valve Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 14 19.0
Brake light switch to master cylinder Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 14 19.0
Master cylinder to frame bolts Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 18 24.4
Brake line union nut

Preferred · 11–14 ft-lb is the preferred figure for the brake-line union.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 11–14 14.9–19.0
Front backing plate to steering knuckle bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 36 48.8
Front splash shield to steering knuckle bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 7 9.5
Front caliper housing screw Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 14–18 19.0–24.4
Front wheel cylinder to backing plate bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 18 24.4
Front caliper to steering knuckle bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 29 39.3
Bleeder valve

Maximum · Do not confuse this with the higher clamp-screw torque.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 3.5 4.7
Brake hose to cylinder / caliper Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 11–14 14.9–19.0
Rear wheel cylinder to backing plate bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M8 · pitch not listed 14–22 19.0–29.8
Rear bearing housing / cover bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 — 43 58.3
Rear brake drum / hub to shaft castellated nut

Model/application-specific · Swing axle commonly uses 217 ft-lb; later IRS uses 253 ft-lb.
 IRS / later application — 253 343.0

Wheels — Type 1 workshop reference

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Wheel bolt to drum/disc

Aftermarket wheel hardware can have a lower product-specific limit; follow the hardware manufacturer where supplied.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M14 · pitch not listed 87–94 118.0–127.4
Wheel bolt to drum/disc Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M12 · pitch not listed 72 97.6
Aftermarket locking wheel nut

Aftermarket-specific · Do not substitute this product-specific max for stock wheel bolt torque.
 Aftermarket locking wheel nut M14×1.5 · fine thread 60 81.3

Pedal assembly — Type 1 workshop reference

Component Model / years ft-lb Nm
Brake pedal bracket to frame bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 28–32 38.0–43.4
Pedal stop plate to frame bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 14–18 19.0–24.4

Manual transaxle / gearbox — Type 1 workshop reference

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Drive pinion round nut — double ball bearing Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M35×1.5 · fine thread 87 118.0
Drive pinion round nut — double tapered roller bearing Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M35×1.5 · fine thread 144 195.2
Pinion bearing retainer bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M10×1.5 · standard pitch 36 48.8
Pinion nut

Procedural · Some early procedures specify initial higher torque then back-off/final torque.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M22×1.5 · fine thread 43 58.3
Drive shaft nut

Procedural · Some early procedures specify initial higher torque then back-off/final torque.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M22×1.5 · fine thread 43 58.3
Reverse lever guide bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M7×1 · standard pitch 14 19.0
Selector shaft / fork bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M8×1.25 · standard pitch 18 24.4
Gearshift housing to gear carrier nut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M7×1 · standard pitch 11 14.9
Ring gear to differential housing bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M10×1.5 · standard pitch 43 58.3
Final drive cover nuts Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M8×1.25 · standard pitch 22 29.8
Axle tube retainer nuts Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M8×1.25 · standard pitch 14 19.0
Rear wheel bearing retainer bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M10×1.5 · standard pitch 43 58.3
Transmission oil drain / filler plug Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M24×1.5 · fine thread 14 19.0
Rear axle shaft castellated nut

Model/application-specific · 217 often quoted for swing axle; 253 for IRS. Use model-specific figure rather than broad range where known.
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M24×1.5 · fine thread 215–255 291.5–345.7
Transmission carrier to frame Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 M18×1.5 · fine thread 166 225.1

Type 4 411 / 412 manual transmission

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Transmission case / final-drive cap nut Type 4 411 / 412 M8×1.25 14 19.0
Shift housing to transmission case Type 4 411 / 412 M8×1.25 14 19.0
Cover plate to transmission case Type 4 411 / 412 M7×1.25 7 9.5
Cover-plate lock screw Type 4 411 / 412 M7×1.25 7 9.5
Drive shaft / drive gear nut Type 4 411 / 412 M9×1.25 14 19.0
Knurled cap to transmission case Type 4 411 / 412 M7×1.25 7 9.5
Shift fork to shift rod — square-head screw Type 4 411 / 412 M8×1.25 14 19.0
Detent plunger screws Type 4 411 / 412 M7×1.25 7 9.5
Selector-shaft bearing pin Type 4 411 / 412 M14×1.5 11 14.9
End plate to mainshaft carrier Type 4 411 / 412 M10×1.5 32 43.4
Adjusting-ring lock plate Type 4 411 / 412 M7×1.25 7 9.5
Ring gear to differential housing Type 4 411 / 412 M9×1 32 43.4
Reverse-light switch Type 4 411 / 412 M18×1.5 18 24.4
Oil filler / drain plug Type 4 411 / 412 M24×1.5 14 19.0

Type 4 411 / 412 rear axle & suspension

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Rear axle carrier to body Type 4 411 / 412 M10 29 39.3
Retaining plate to body Type 4 411 / 412 M8×1.25 14 19.0
Shock absorber to body Type 4 411 / 412 M10 · self-locking 22 29.8
Bonded rubber mounting to rear axle carrier Type 4 411 / 412 M10 29 39.3
Engine carrier to mounting Type 4 411 / 412 M8 · self-locking 18 24.4
Rear bonded rubber mounting to body Type 4 411 / 412 M8 · self-locking 18 24.4
Shock absorber to wishbone Type 4 411 / 412 M12×1.5 43 58.3
Bracket to rear axle carrier Type 4 411 / 412 M12×1.5 61 82.7
Wishbone to bracket Type 4 411 / 412 M12×1.5 61 82.7
Rear wheel-bearing retainer Type 4 411 / 412 M10×1.5 43 58.3
Wheel shaft / flange stretch bolt Type 4 411 / 412 M14×1.5 65–80 88.1–108.5
Drive shaft / flange socket-head screw Type 4 411 / 412 M8×1.25 32 43.4
Bonded rubber mounting to gearshift housing Type 4 411 / 412 M8 14 19.0

Rear suspension — Type 1 workshop reference

Component Model / years ft-lb Nm
Spring plate to trailing/control arm bolt

Component-specific · Do not confuse with spring plate cover bolts.
 Type 1 — IRS 80 108.5
Spring plate bushing cover bolt

Component-specific
 Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 25 33.9
CV joint / drive shaft flange screws Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 25 33.9
Control / diagonal arm fitted bolt Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 87 118.0
Shock absorber to control arm nut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 50 67.8
Shock absorber to frame nut Beetle / Karmann Ghia — Type 1 50 67.8

Automatic Stick Shift — Type 1

Component Model / years Fastener / details ft-lb Nm
Temperature / selector / starter safety switch Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M14×1.5 · fine thread 18 24.4
Torque converter to drive plate screw Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M8×1.25 · standard pitch 18 24.4
Tapered roller bearing retaining nut Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M80×1 115 155.9
Converter housing nut Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M8×1.25 · standard pitch 14 19.0
One-way clutch support bolt

Use new bolts where specified.
 Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M6×1 · standard pitch 11 14.9
Clutch carrier plate bolt Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M6×1 · standard pitch 11 14.9
Bearing lock bolt Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M8×1.25 · standard pitch 7 9.5
Clutch lever clamp bolt

Year-dependent
 Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M8×1.25 · standard pitch 18–22 24.4–29.8
Transmission oil pan / lock plate screw Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M7×1.25 7 9.5
Oil pressure line union Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M12×1.5 · fine thread 25 33.9
Oil return line union Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M14×1.5 · fine thread 25 33.9
Drive shaft screw Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M8×1.25 · standard pitch · socket-head · VW 10K 25 33.9
Diagonal arm bolt Type 1 — Automatic Stick Shift M14×1.5 · fine thread 87 118.0

Torque sequences & special procedures

Some Volkswagen specifications are not a simple “tighten once to X”. The procedure is part of the specification. Where a row is marked as an adjustment, staged sequence or alignment operation, follow that procedure rather than treating the number as a final clamp torque.

Type 1 crankcase halves

Tighten the case progressively in sequence. As the main case fasteners are brought up, rotate the crankshaft by hand and stop if binding appears.

4 — 2 — 5
6 — 1 — 3

Type 1 cylinder heads

Tighten progressively in stages rather than taking one nut directly to final torque.

Initial pattern:

7 — 5 — 6 — 8
4 — 2 — 1 — 3

Final pattern:

8 — 2 — 4 — 6
5 — 3 — 1 — 7

Type 4 cylinder heads

Use the prescribed Type 4 head sequence and staged tightening for the exact engine. Do not substitute the Type 1 pattern or Type 1 final torque simply because both engines are aircooled flat-fours.

Front wheel bearings — adjustment, not final torque

Type 1 front tapered-roller bearings are set by axial play. A commonly specified workshop method is to seat the bearing while rotating the wheel, then back the adjusting nut off and set approximately 0.03–0.12 mm (0.001–0.005 in) axial play before tightening the clamp-nut socket screw. The clamp screw torque is a locking torque; the bearing itself must not be left preloaded as though the adjusting nut were an ordinary structural fastener.

Do not confuse values: a wheel-bearing seating/adjustment value, an inner adjusting nut value and an outer lock/clamp value can all appear in manuals. They are different operations.

Castellated nuts and split pins

Where a castellated nut uses a split pin, reach the specified minimum torque first and then continue tightening only as required by the applicable procedure to align the next pin hole. Do not back off a correctly torqued rear hub/axle nut just to align the split pin.

Pinion / transmission staged operations

Some pinion and bearing-retainer specifications include an explicit tighten–loosen–retighten operation. If the row or workshop procedure gives that sequence, the intermediate torque is a setup step rather than an alternative final value.

Replacement fasteners

Where the workshop data specifies use new bolts or a new self-locking fastener, that instruction is part of the repair procedure. Do not treat the torque value alone as permission to reuse a fastener that the procedure calls for replacing.

Low-torque sealing fasteners

Oil-strainer, sump-cover and small sealing fasteners are intentionally low torque. In particular, the Type 4 oil-strainer / sump-cover sealing nut is only 9 ft-lb / 12.2 Nm. More torque is not better and can damage the case or sealing surface.

Aftermarket hardware: ARP rod bolts, chromoly head studs, racing gland nuts and other non-stock fasteners can have a different torque or lubricant requirement. The manufacturer specification for the exact aftermarket fastener overrides the stock VW figure.

Quick torque answers

Does this guide include Brazilian aircooled VWs?Yes. Brasilia, SP1/SP2, VW 1600/TL/Variant and Brazilian Kombi are explicitly mapped to their mechanical families through 1979. Shared torque is only used where the actual component matches.
Does this guide include Mexican Beetles?Yes, through 1979. Use the Type 1 tables by actual engine, brake, suspension and fastener generation because Mexican production changes do not always align exactly with German model-year breaks.

These short answers repeat high-demand values in plain language so a single extracted answer still carries the model and fastener context.

VW Type 1 cylinder head torqueStock 8 mm Type 1 cylinder-head studs use 18 ft-lb / 24.4 Nm. Stock 10 mm studs use 23 ft-lb / 31.2 Nm. Aftermarket chromoly studs must follow the stud manufacturer’s specification.
VW Type 1 flywheel gland-nut torqueLater 1600 Type 1 data uses 253 ft-lb / 343.0 Nm. Earlier 34/42 bhp factory data uses 217 ft-lb / 294.2 Nm. Identify the engine/flywheel generation before tightening.
VW Type 4 cylinder head torqueType 4 cylinder-head nuts use 23 ft-lb / 31.2 Nm with the correct progressive tightening sequence.
VW Type 4 oil-strainer torqueThe Type 4 oil-strainer/crankcase sealing nut uses only 9 ft-lb / 12.2 Nm. Do not substitute the Type 1 drain-plug value.
Split Screen Type 2 front axle mounting torqueThe front axle-to-frame side-member bolts use 72–80 ft-lb / 97.6–108.5 Nm in the factory reference data.
Bay Window rear hub / shaft nut torqueLater Bay Window M30×1.5 rear hub/shaft castellated hardware uses 253 ft-lb / 343.0 Nm, with the correct split-pin and minimum-torque procedure for the exact year.
Early Type 3 / Type 34 flywheel gland-nut torqueThe January 1964 Volkswagen factory tightening table specifies 217 ft-lb / 294.2 Nm for the M28×1.5 flywheel gland nut. Type 3 pulley/fan hardware is a separate specification and should not be confused with the flywheel value.

Important application notes

Why some figures carry a caution

Some historical torque lists combine different years, thread diameters or models under similar component names. A conflict is only resolved when the physical fastener/application can be identified. This is why the guide preserves year and thread information rather than presenting a single universal number.

Every Single Torque Setting for Every Single Bolt on your Aircooled VW

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