Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Ball joint, removing and installing
Special Tools and equipment

3283 Press:

^ 3283 Press

VAG 1756 Angle wrench:

^ VAG 1756 Angle wrench

3287A Ball joint puller:

^ 3287A Ball joint puller

VAG 1383A Engine/transmission jack:

^ VAG 1383A Engine/transmission jack

Removing

WARNING: Vehicle must be standing on its wheels when loosening or tightening 12 point axle nut.

- Loosen 12-point axle nut.
- Lift vehicle to relieve load on front axle and remove noise insulation.





- Remove bolts (arrows).





- Press axle shaft out. Position tool as shown.

NOTE:
^ When pressing the drive axle out make sure that sufficient clearance is available.
^ Do not allow drive axle to hang by inner CV or triple-rotor joint to avoid damaging bearing surfaces. Tie drive axle to stabilizer bar or other suspension component if it is to remain attached to drive flange.
^ Do not flex inner CV or triple-rotorjoint more than 25 degrees from its original angle.

- Pull wheel bearing housing with ball joint out from control arm.





- Swing wheel with suspension strut out and support.





- Install ball joint puller, as shown, and press out ball joint.

WARNING:
^ Place engine/transmission jack VAG 1383A, or similar, underneath to ensure safety.
^ For safety reasons and to protect ball joint threads, leave nut threaded on a few turns.

Installing





- Install new self-locking nut, and counter-hold with T40 Torx hi: bit.
1. Torx bit T40
2. Box wrench insert or slotted ring wrench insert
3. VAG 1331
- Install ball joint in wheel bearing housing.
- Secure ball joint to control arm (bolts on old marks).
Use new bolts!





1. Box wrench insert (commercial type, 18 mm AF)
2. Open end wrench insert (commercial type, 18 mm AF)

NOTE: Check boot for damage or twisting.

Tightening torque:
Ball joint to control arm 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) + 90°
Use new bolts!
Ball joint to wheel bearing housing 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.)
12-point nut for axle shaft to wheel hub 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.) + 30°
Use new nuts!