Lower ball joint replacement

[lovedavdubs]

Do I really need to remove the entire steering knuckle to replace the (lower) ball joints on my 82 Vanagon? I just did both uppers w/ no problems at all. As instructed by a web source, I broke the two allen nuts on the top loose and then the big bolt one on the bottom of the upper ball joints, and they practicably jumped out of the knuckle on their own. Is it this simple to replace the lower ball joints? What components do I really have to remove to get the lower ball joints out? Do I need any special tools to remove or replace the lowers other than a pickle fork?

[Ericthenorse]

The lower ball joint needs to be pressed out/in with a hydraulic press. it can also be done with a really cool special tool and an impact gun, but not many people have the cool tool... do not try to bang it out or in with a hammer or you will needto buy more new ball joints, and then find someone with a press....
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'69 bug--rusty as hell
'91 vanagon carrat-slammed,5 speed,4 wheel disks,17x8.5's

[DanJReed]

You mean this cool tool for $119?


http://www2.northerntool.com/product-1/19871.htm

Makes the job (as well as many other ball joints) a DREAM

You can get a cheapie China one for as alow as $40, but I would not hit them with 300 Ft/Lbs of air.
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-Dan
(87 Westy Vanagon, 98 Jetta GLS 2.0, 95 Golf Sport)

[Ericthenorse]

Thanks for the link... I just ordered one...
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'69 bug--rusty as hell
'91 vanagon carrat-slammed,5 speed,4 wheel disks,17x8.5's

[mr_vanagon]

That kit is cool but I tried one and the curve in the steering nuckle on my '89 vanagon made it not workable. Had to have it done by a local shop with a press. Also, to get the nuckle off/on you'll need a 27mm wrench (for the big nut on the lower ball joint).

[mightyart]

Cost me 12.00 each to get them pressed in, they should be able to do it while you wait. It is always a good thing if you can find a competent automotive machine shop.
here's cheap chinese: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38335
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My Art:
http://www.instagram.com/flynn8552/

[jwallis]

so yeah, it's a 7-year old thread, but I guess when working on 30-year old vans, thread resurrection isn't hated on so much?

Anyway, to be painfully clear, the original poster's "Do I really need to remove the entire steering knuckle to replace the (lower) ball joints...?" would be a big YES it sounds like? Some people removed them and took the knuckles and joints to a local shop to get them pressed in?
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TheVanTracker.com - Kill Switch + GPS Tracker + Door-open alerts, made specifically for the Vanagon!
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[gregaz]

[j_dirge]

[insyncro]

Yes a VW tool was made for just this job to be able to do so on the van.

I saw it at Alaric's and found mine on eBay.de.

Pricey bugger.

[Vango Conversions]

I'd love to see a photo of someone removing their ball joints. I tried using a c clamp style press before and the tool had to be modified to fit the spindle, then broke.

Once I took a pair of spindles to a garage and they said it took theman hour to build a jig to allow them to press the old ones out and the new ones in. Charged me $100!

I now have a 20 ton press but I'm not sure the best way to support the thing.

[jwallis]

[j_dirge]

[insyncro]

[Alaric.H]

It is a 20 minute job with the arm still on the van.

[purplepeopleeater]

I have a universal hand held tool and a 20ton press...neither are working right, I can't get a good bite on the spindle.


any photo's around here of said tools being used?

[rubbachicken]

[gugustave]

I followed this guy's procedure with success:
http://haysvwrepair.com/how-to-put-ball-joints-in-bug-bus-or-vanagon-the-lower-one/
It's quite a bit of work, but the result is very satisfying.

[greebly]

[dobryan]