ball joint removal question
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Central Idaho
ball joint removal question
i did a search but didnt really find anything on this matter. on b4's and i think b3's the ball joint is held into the strut assembly with just one bolt....is that a hardy way for that to be held in by? with road conditions couldnt that bolt become loose allowing the ball joint to unseat itself or is there something else that is holding this in place? soon I am going to replace both ball joints on my 88 and 94 since they both are ancient, tips or tricks?
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Lower A-arm ball joints right?
<center><img src="http://www.elcats.ru/imaudivw/VAG02F44.gif"></center><p>The one bolt you write about,(17A) holds the joint into the bottom of the strut. You'll see when you go to remove it, the one bolt is plenty. ;O)
You may also find the lower A-arm ball joint is bolted to the A-arm, with 3 bolts(4).
Once you unbolt it, you will more than likely need a front end alignment, as the ball joint is adjustable, and how your camber is set on the front suspension.
If your "good" you'll mark position the old one was on the A-arm, and reinstall the new one in the exact location. This way you may not need an alignment afterwards? However, not all ball joints are created equally. ;O)
You may also find the lower A-arm ball joint is bolted to the A-arm, with 3 bolts(4).
Once you unbolt it, you will more than likely need a front end alignment, as the ball joint is adjustable, and how your camber is set on the front suspension.
If your "good" you'll mark position the old one was on the A-arm, and reinstall the new one in the exact location. This way you may not need an alignment afterwards? However, not all ball joints are created equally. ;O)
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,631
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From: Central Idaho
thanks, exactly
I "finally" got a bentley on cd so now i will not have to ask for so many diagrams, i just didnt see any mention about replacing the ball joint in the bentley if it was pressed in or just "held" in. this clears it up.
i agree that not all ball joints are going to be the same..the ones i have found are lemforder, trw and moog......all quality, but they might not be exactly the same in all aspects.
its a shame that the control arm on b4's are so expensive or i'd just replace the whole thing with new bushings like i did on my 88. b4=$300+, b3=$65...big difference. ever notice its more Y arm then A arm? just thought i'd point out something silly. now I just have to wait for the weather to be a bit nicer, thanks again.
i agree that not all ball joints are going to be the same..the ones i have found are lemforder, trw and moog......all quality, but they might not be exactly the same in all aspects.
its a shame that the control arm on b4's are so expensive or i'd just replace the whole thing with new bushings like i did on my 88. b4=$300+, b3=$65...big difference. ever notice its more Y arm then A arm? just thought i'd point out something silly. now I just have to wait for the weather to be a bit nicer, thanks again.
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