Ball joints

[bobbylardo]

I have a 71 type I. I was wondering what the best method for replacing Ball joints. Is that something you can do at home, or does it require a machine to press them in?

[keifernet]

Glenn has a pic of a tool that does it on the car... specifically made for Bugs, but there is a generic type out that you can rent from some parts stores and get it done, just the "cups" don't come pre sized for VW only ball joints so you have to use what comes in the kit until you get the right configuration.

Other option is to remove the arms from the car and have a shop press them out and new ones in on a hydraulic press, or send off for arms that have new ones pressed in and exchange yours.

[Glenn]

If you don't have the correct tool, it's a bitch to replace. You can also get rebuilt trailing arms with new ball joints alreay installed if you can get tehm replaced.

This one was sold by OTC. Matco also made a tool.

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Glenn
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[bobbylardo]

Thanks guy for replying. I am going to rent the tool from the automotive place down the road. I'll test out the different configurations on the rent-a-tool and if it doesn't work I'll bring it to a machine shop.

[keifernet]

If you look at Glenn's pic you can see the cups and ram are specific to the application... you may find that you can get the "cups" out of the one you rent to work just fine but you may have to improvise and use some strong pipe or even 1/2 " impact sockets or ? you come up with for the more slender looking bits in his tool kit.

and be aware that the joints press in one way and have 2 "tangs" on them that need to line up correct so the joint can move in the right direction.

If you take them to a shop be sure to point that out too as many a set has been ruined by being pressed in by someone unfamiliar with the orientation of the joints.

[bobbylardo]

Thanks keif, I was not aware of the "tangs". I think i would be very angry if the set was ruined. It takes to long to gets parts.

[keifernet]

Tang's/ "notches" different terms for some folks, just look and you will see what I am referring to. Also another tip... sometimes it is best to remove the "sprial ring" that holds the boot on an press the joints in then re -install the boot and ring. It can keep you from damaging the boot and you can pack the joint with a finger full of grease... they come with surprisingly little lube in them.

[Spanky]

[uberautowerks]

Take the boots off, reinstall after! No worries about damage during installation.
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[keifernet]