TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Nov 05, 2003 2:57 pm

just a quick question about low buses.Has anyone heard of ball joints snapping, is this common? and are there after market long travel joints available.Have customer with problem.Any input is much apreciated

Wed Dec 03, 2003 1:43 am

havent really seen this, but anything is possable. I thought lowered balljoints were only available for ball joint bugs.

If it is snapping balljoints, there is to much of an angle going on

Wed Dec 03, 2003 2:03 am

Erik G wrote: havent really seen this, but anything is possable. I thought lowered balljoints were only available for ball joint bugs.

If it is snapping balljoints, there is to much of an angle going on

Dunno, I had a balljoint problem once, caused by too much road salt not enough grease.

Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:48 am

Take a closer look at the damaged ball joint and try to figure out "why" it snapped. I had one "snap" off on a '70 bug. Upon closer examination it was obvious that the IDIOT that replaced it before, installed it 90 from the correct position.

Ball joints have a "slot" that allows "full" movement back and forth but not much sideways. It is vital that you install it correctly or else it will damage the slot to the "popping" point. This happening at speed could be fatal! :shock:

Though you can't "see" this slot since it's inside the rubber boot, if you just move the pin around the socket you can feel which is the correct way to go. The slot travel must be placed so it goes forward and backwards in relation to the car NOT from side to side!

Godd luck!

Wed Dec 03, 2003 7:51 am

All I know is that buying the balljoints already pressed in with the torsion arms from Wolfgang was the way to go!!!

Wed Dec 03, 2003 8:27 am

True, nut! But if you need to replace just one that "snapped", are you going to tow your bus all the way to the shop to have it done? I'm sure some would prefer to just replace the ball joint correctly if they have the facilities and are so inclined to do it.

But hey, whatever floats your boat! :)

Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:22 am

If one snapped, the rest are likely due. I chose to go the torsion arm route due to convenience, and a lack of the mongo press needed to do the job correctly. I replaced mine due to the fact that all the boots were shot and original (69').