Ball Joints, Removing and Installing

Ball joints, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
^ Assembly tool 3350/1
^ Assembly tool 3346/2
^ Thrust piece T10030/1A
^ Assembly tool 3301
^ Press tool VW 454
^ Tube VW 421
^ Engine/transmission jack V.A.G1383A
^ Adjusting tool (front axle) T40021
^ Adjusting tool (rear axle) T40022
^ Universal grease G 052 735 A5

- Refer to vehicle data sticker to check whether 1 KE or 1 KF brake system is installed in vehicle.





Vehicle data sticker (example)
The vehicle data sticker can be found at the rear of the spare wheel well and in the Service book.

In this example, a 1KF brake system is installed

This information is required for a later step in the procedure.

- Lift vehicle on lifting platform.
- Remove rear wheels.
- Remove top or bottom transverse link Transverse links, removing and installing.





- Position transmission jack V.A.G1359/2 underneath trailing arm, using a block of wood - arrow -.

Continued for vehicles with 1 KF brake system

Continued for vehicles with 1 KE brake system

Vehicles with 1 KF brake system

Vehicles with slightly worn brake disc





- Remove hex socket head bolts - 2 -.

Tightening torque: 65 Nm

Vehicles with heavily worn brake disc
- Remove hex bolts - 1 -.

Tightening torque: 35 Nm

Always replace bolts.

Continued for both brake disc conditions
- Detach brake caliper and tie up with wire.

Do not suspend the brake caliper on the brake line.

- Remove brake disc.

Vehicles with 1KE brake system
On vehicles with 1 KE brake system the brake caliper does not have to be removed.

Removing lower ball joint
- Lubricate spindle with universal grease G 052 735 A5.
- Attach tools as shown in illustration.





- Pull out ball joint by turning spindle.

Installing lower ball joint
- Attach tools as shown in illustration.





- Draw in joint centrally by turning the spindle.

Removing upper ball joint
- Lubricate spindle with universal grease G 052 735 A5.
- Attach tools as shown in illustration.





- Pull out ball joint by turning spindle.

Installing upper ball joint
- Attach tools as shown in illustration.





- Pull in ball joint - 1 - by turning spindle.
- Install brake disc (if removed).

Tightening torque of phillips-head screw: 4 Nm

- Check that there is sufficient clearance between splash plate and brake disc.
- If necessary, ensure correct clearance.





- Install brake caliper (vehicles with 1 KF brake system only).

Tightening torque for bolt - 2 -: 65 Nm

Tightening torque for bolt - 1 -: 35 Nm

- Install top or bottom transverse link.