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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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 Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 9:52 pm Post subject: Stiff thing ball joints |
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I don't often enter the 181 forum, but I have what I hope will be a quick question. an acquaintance of mine has a baja bug with thing spindles. The ball joints were new when he installed the spindles. Over time, the steering becomes stiff and it appears one or more of the ball joints are binding. A local mechanic installed grease Zerks on the ball joints, but the symptom eventually returns. They get stiff enough that the car becomes difficult to steer.
Could incorrect installation cause this? Are there issues with the quality of ball joints? I don't know if they were German or not.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Lettuce
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2009
Posts: 749
Location: Socal
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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thing joints are different than bug joints, they articulate longer and are oriented different
| Ian Epperson wrote: |
Also, MAKE TRIPLE SURE that the shop knows how to press in Thing ball joints. I've won a bet from VW shop mechanic that insisted my Thing's ball joints were incorrect - but they're proper (both point down). The joints are also directional, and need to be aligned correctly as well. They can be pressed in upside down, the top ones can be pressed into the bottom, and they can be pressed in with the wrong orientation - all three of these happened to me at a good, reputable VW shop. |
I recently had new joints put in my thing, very stiff for what seemed like forever but they loosened up and are smooth and tight now. |
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cdennisg
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20278
Location: Sandpoint, ID
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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They are definitely thing ball joints, not beetle. They are installed properly, as in both come from the top. Can they be installed 180 degrees out?
His problem is that they were fine when first installed, then stiffened up after being driven for several months.
I will see his mechanic tomorrow, I'll ask for some clarity on the situation.
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uberautowerks
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2005
Posts: 1600
Location: Longmont Co
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| Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:13 pm Post subject: |
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I would bet your friend has an adjustable beam with the adjusters cranked up too high.
As such the ball joints are binding.
After a good greasing all is well until the grease is pushed out of the way... then back to binding.
Have your friend jack up the front end....
.... does it rise at all before the tires come off the ground? It should.
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--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
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'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black) |
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locky
Samba Member
Joined: May 08, 2008
Posts: 573
Location: Nelson, British Columbia
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| Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 9:39 am Post subject: |
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| What happened with the ball joints? My front end is super stiff. No droop whatsoever when I jack it up. Adjusters not cranked at all. I did put in stiffer leafs, and was noticing that my ball joints are all in a different positions from each other. Had a mechanic friend press them in, and now, don't think he knew they had to be oriented properly. Body is not on yet so I'm hoping that will give me a little more?? May have to disassemble and reinstall the ball joints |
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