Date:         Mon, 8 Apr 2002 09:21:02 -0500
Reply-To:     Stan Wilder <wilden1@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stan Wilder <wilden1@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: ball joints
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I recently had my ball joints , tie rod ends, rubber bushings replaced at
287K.
I purchased the joints from Bus Depot at a fair price.
I've been forcing grease into the joint through the torn rubber seals for
seven years.
The Westy always steered OK and I had no uneven tire wear but the upper
joints were very sloppy while the lower joints were still reasonably
good.
I've had the 83 Westy for 7 years and 160K so I know that the ball joints
had at least that usage on them.
I'd recommend that you take the van to a professional front end shop for
an evaluation, in addition I'd farm this repair job out to a reputable
shop. I watched them install the uppers and lowers and I've got to say
that its a lot bigger job than Bentley or Hayes implies.
If you suspect that you'll be needing the rubber strut arm, upper and
lower control arm bushings get them ordered well in advance.

Stan Wilder
83 Air Cooled Westfalia

On Mon, 8 Apr 2002 19:00:08 -0400 John Lunetta <blun1432@OPTONLINE.NET>
writes:
> I don't know, I have wondered about them also. My van is a 1990 and
> still has the original ball joints. Every once and awile I check
> them by lifting one side of the front of the van and put a long
> strong pipe under the wheel and try to rock the wheel up and down to
> see if there is any play, It helps to have an assistant. This the
> way I used to check most cars that were 2wd with rear wheel drive
> and the same type of front susp. I don't know if this is right for
> the vanagon. The Bentley manual does not explain how to check them.
> Come to think of it the Bentley manual is vague on alot of
> procedures. Any one out there know? I will probably change them this
> summer, just as a preventive measure. I think after 12 years and
> 174,000 miles there due. John 1990 vanagon gl
>

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