John, I've got the same symptom in my 87 with 146,000 miles. I've replaced the upper ball joints (reduced clunks somewhat) and will soon replace the lower ones also. I think the better test for ball joint wear is to compress the joint with a C-clamp and measure play , then compare with a new one (this is test for other cars). Unfortunately, VW doesn't specify wear limits, that I can find, so when I replace them I will measure and report to the group the wear measured, and whether replacing the joint fixed the clunk. I'm pretty sure that they are the cause. Dave
At 07:39 PM 5/6/97 -0500, John Olmsted wrote: >I have a 1983 diesel GL that makes an ugly 'clunk' when going over bumps >at low speed. I have replaced the rack & pinion due to excesive play >and the tie rod ends; to no avail. > >Is it possible that the lower ball joints are gone? My mechanic says >they are ok, he prys on the joint to check for play. I am not sure this >is a valid check, does anyone know a more foolproof check? What >experience have any list members had with ball joints/front end clunks? > >We have owned our van since new, it has 225 000 km (~135 000 mi). > >-- >Diesel John > >'83 Vanagon Diesel GL 'The Smoking Tortoise' >'71 S-Cab 'Ole Blu' >'83 Audi 5000 TD >'84 Audi 5000 Avant >ex '71 Superbeetle >ex '71 Window Van >ex '76 Scirocco >ex '77 & '78 Rabbit Diesel > > >
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