Ball joint removal and Installation

[mac5270VW]

I'm rebuilding the torsion tubes on my 1970 Beetle.

Which is better in the long run;
Having someone remove and install all four ball joints, or try to do it myself?
I don't have a ball joint kit, and they look to be anywhere from $65 to $160.
I'm not a professional mechanic, so it's a one time, one use expenditure.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!

[viiking]

They can be difficult to remove and replace. Unless you have access to a hydraulic press, pulling them out and putting them in is a job for a professional or a DIY'er with the equipment.

Even with a 10 tonne press, it was not easy. Some can be very stubborn to remove and the ball joint needs to be oriented correctly back in.
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[heimlich]

You can go to your local autozone and borrow tools such as that. They just ask for a deposit.

The ball joint kits that are made nowadays don't have the correct size cups. You can find some sockets that are close.
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[johneliot]

Or you can do something like this:
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Trailing-Arm-Ball-Joint-Upper-Left-131405103A-p/131-405-103a-rb.htm
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John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
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69 bug - "The Grey Ghost"

[modok]

It's ok your not a mechanic, it's not really a job for a mechanic.
alignment shops or machine shops probably
Having the correct fitting driver and support is the key no matter what way you do it.
Making THESE tools is more along the lines of fabrication or machining.
Making sure the part fits correctly before jamming it in there is also important, which requires some understanding of precision fits.

If there is a special tool you can rent that will do it, that's great, but, i have my doubts.
If there was a little kit then.... I would not be needing a big press many hundreds of pounds of steel do dads of many different sizes in order to do these jobs. They are constantly inventing yet new designs and sizes of bushings bearings and joiunts which need even a NEW do-dad.

one of my WILD IDEAS I think about sometimes, would be to just get the 'kit" light enough to fit in a truck so I can be mobile... but it isn't easy, you don't see anybody doing that. tho if you do... have him do it

[ghianowbug]

i would go the remanufactured route such as those on air cooled .net i bot mine from late night air cooled i n chico I would assume that when they are rebuilt that they are checked for straightness and then the the ball joints get properly seated. sure you pay a bit more but you are not fudging around I bot one of those tools and tried but could not get the ball joints all out and the tool started bending from the force.

[kangaboy]

[Cusser]

I called a mostly-VW shop in Prescott Arizona for a quote for all 4 ball joints on my 1970 (3 are factory ones still (over 260K miles); I was quoted $600-$700 for all four which included the alignment.

So far, haven't had that done...
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[Marinablau703]

FWIW, I did all 4 of my ball joints early this year when I cleaned up the front end. After some copious heating with a MAP torch, my 20 ton press made light work of all 4, both removal and reinstallation. Took maybe a half hour start-finish? Make sure that the joints are clocked correctly using the marks on the new joints; I forget what brand I got (either Meyle or Lemforder), but I got them from FCP Euro for the lifetime warranty. I then tried a set of ball joints off a Bus, and my press wasn't enough for the amount of heat I could add with MAP and I was defeated.

Loaded arms are pricey compared to just ball joints ($10 each), but can start to pay for themselves if repeated trips to a machine shop are required.

Edit: sometimes the joint is fine but the boot is not; FCP carries boots and retainers separately.

[ghianowbug]

not everybody has a 20 ton press but even then when you apply heat and use a press you can deform the area where the ball joint sits . I decided that 200 for a set was worth my time . I had some previously pressed in and the shop charged me 200 in labour plus cost of ball joints. whatever you do I would recommend that you get the best quality ball joint possible especially if you are not doing it yourself as the labour will get you again if you have to redo .

[eashc]

[Blue69Baja]

Here is a great video done by Slades VW. He does it the old way with no press.


Link


Jim
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69 Baja with a 1914...
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[Zundfolge1432]

I did mine too under the supervision of a more experienced mechanic. It was summertime hot and took about two days. I felt taxed physically but I did it😀
Of course everything was original and rusted.

[Blue69Baja]

[Zundfolge1432]

Man up get the tools and DIY.

[johneliot]

They aren’t the only place that carries them.
_________________
John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
Mark Twain

69 bug - "The Grey Ghost"

[Starbucket]

Saw a wrecking yardman do this, Get a short 4lb. sludge hammer and wack the side of the A arm right where the taper is where the ball joint seats after removing the nut, comes right out with no damage to either parts.

[modok]

Yep and that's something both mechanics and machinists probably SHOULD understand and know how to do, works whenever you have a taper or press fit in a relatively thinwall part.
It's not necessarily one big hit, just peening it with many small hits can work too.

[VW_Jimbo]

[Marinablau703]