Date:         Sat, 9 Jul 2005 15:37:41 -0700
Reply-To:     gary hradek <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         gary hradek <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      changing upper ball joint
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Replaced the upper ball joint on the right side today.
Busdepot had the part for 20 dollars.   It was
european made according to Busdepot.   The box said
"made in spain" and it was clearly stamped on the part
"Germany".  Can't get any more European than that.
Tom Carrington has a good writeup on the procedure but
I thought I might add a few words to the archive.
A 24mm wrench and deep socket helps big time.
No special tool is needed.  I was able to hammer a
chisel between the upper arm and the ball joint to
apply a small amount of pressure on the joint.   Then,
by hitting the joint from below I was able to pop it
loose.
   I would correct Tom Carrington on torquing the big
nut to 80 footpound.   There is plenty of room on the
right side for the wrench if you turn the wheels to
the right.   Still many thanks to you Tom for your
website and of course to Ron who supplies us with well
priced parts.   But always double check the prices
with thepartsbin.com.
           gary


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