Lower ball joint compatability

[Infidel]

I am replacing my ball joints and just received the new ones. The new lower ball joints are not slotted/do not have the notches to indicate the alignment. I double checked CIP1 and confirmed they're the right part number, and part is labelled for 66-77 ACVWs exclusive of supers. Are these ball joints compatible replacements, or do I NEED to have ball joints that have the slot?

72 Ghia

Old vs new

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_________________
1972 Ghia

[60ragtop]

Pull the boot and look for the slot, bet it is there
Then mark the BJ where the slot is
If not get new ones
What brand is it? there are are lot of junk ones being sold anymore
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Infidel]

[LVGhia72]

If your not happy with the quality of the parts, return them. Most companies will pay for the return. The problem with these companies is the don't list where the part is made. So it is hit or miss on something good. Even then, you buy a brand name like Bosch and think it's made in Germany. No, made in China.

After much research on ball joints, I chose TRW. Luckily they were made in Spain. Like 60ragtop posted the slot is there, just not marked on the outside.

Steve

[60ragtop]

find which way has the most travel and that is where the notches should be
or pull the boot up and see where the slot is
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Ian Godfrey]

Febi bilstein are making good ball joints too (at the moment) firm but not too stiff. I'm not sure where they are made.

[Infidel]

[Infidel]

Won't be possible to get the boot back on, and is likely no longer viable for return. Looks like I'm starting over.
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1972 Ghia

[60ragtop]

WOW that isn't even close to being correct or usable.
I would contact them and make sure they are aware of that.
And post a pic in their feedback thread here so others are aware.
My last go round with ball joints was Meyle they are junk. TRW is the best right now.
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Infidel]

[60ragtop]

After some thought, maybe they are trying to redesign the ball joint so it can be installed in any direction
Does it seem to have the range of the old one?
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Chad M]

[LVGhia72]

[heimlich]

I put Febi in my Beetles. They are (were before inflation) $12.

What part number are you looking for? I can check my NOS stock.
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Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
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[Infidel]

[heimlich]

There's lots of local places close to you. A nice shop in Oklahoma has plenty aftermarket, bughaus. Shipping within Texas is quick.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[Infidel]