Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 18:38:13 -0400
Reply-To: Wolfvan88@aol.com
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Lilley <Wolfvan88@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Removing the top ball joint
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Steve,
I am working on an article to do this, along with a caliper rebuild and pad install. I am waiting for my other rotor to come back from the Bus Depot to complete the other side to take the photos.
The pickle-fork method DID NOT WORK for me.
Plus, I did not like banging on the suspension arms.
I tried to use a small two arm puller and that failed also, to small.
I tried to heat the joint during the pully attempt, but that did not work either.
I tried for several days without success. I put it back together and drove for about a year until I got the correct tool.
What worked and what will work is:
Tools:
Medium sized heavy duty two arm puller
***Small tie rod end extractor.
OR
medium to large tie rod extracter tool
***If you get the bigger tie rod extractor- you do not need to buy the smaller- because you do not have to remove it.
*I used a medium Heavy Duty puller to remove the upper joint. (Mainly because I had bought the puller to do the job, but the tie rod extractor would be easier)
*I removed the tie rod end with a small tie rod end remover. The tool made it very EASY and did not damage the tie rod end..
Jack van up.
Remove wheel
remove caliper
remove caliper mount.
remove tie-rod end from spindle arm (do not loosen nut)
remove upper allen bolts on ball joint
remove the lower ball joint from the spindle arm with the puller.
Lay free spindle on ground and attach puller to the upper ball joint and tightened until it pops off.
Mine took a LOT of force. When it broke free it shot about 15' across my driveway making a loud pinging noise.
Then reassemble it all back.
You do not have to get a anlignment after- Local VW shop told me this.
***An easier way is to use a medium tie rod puller and remove only the caliper mount to make room for the tool and then remove the upper ball joint.
*Measure the width of the spindle arm at the top to make sure you get the correct width.
*The tool is @$12-$15 at auto zone or your FLAPS.
Jack van up.
Remove wheel
remove caliper
remove caliper mount.
remove the upper allen bolts and then use the tool to remove the joint
Reassemble
With the correct tools, the job is easy!
Robert