Ball Joint: Service and Repair

Special Tools and equipment





^ 3283 Press





^ VAG 1756 Angle wrench





^ 3287A Ball joint puller





^ VAG 1383A Engine/transmission jack

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





-Remove bolts (arrows).

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





-Press axle shaft out. Position tool as shown.

Note:
Ensure sufficient clearance is available when pressing axle shaft out,

-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(R) bit.
1-Torx(R) 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 lb) + 90°
Use new bolts!
Ball joint to wheel bearing housing 45 Nm (33 ft lb)
12-point nut for axle shaft to wheel hub 50 Nm (37 ft lb) + 30°
Use new nuts!
Tightening 12-point nut refer to Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints; Axle Shaft Assembly, Constant Velocity Type.