Date:         Sun, 23 Aug 1998 08:50:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Ball joints replacement
Comments: To: gerry rafferty <gerryr@DIRECT.CA>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

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Hi Gerry,
    The bentley book has all the information you will need to get the job done.  I have done the job without any special tools and no press.  It can be done but you need a big hammer and pipe or socket that will fit over the lower joint so force can be put at the proper place (outer edge of the joint). Big  hint,  be sure the lower joints are properly oriented before insertion.  After doing the ball joints on my van I did buy a 30 ton press, it makes the job so much easier and can be used for many other jobs.  If you remove the steering knuckles and upper joints and then take them and the new lower joints to a local shop you should save much on the job.  You will need to have wheel alignment done after the joints are replaced. If you are near southern Illinois drop by and I will be happy to press them on for you. 

Darrell Boehler
Makanda Illinois              
-----Original Message-----
    From: gerry rafferty <gerryr@DIRECT.CA>
    To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
    Date: Sunday, August 23, 1998 3:29 AM
    Subject: Re: Ball joints replacement
    
    
    Took my van in for a wheel alignment-requires upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends.
    Tried getting info from archives but it times out.
    So has anyone tried changing above items?
    Is it worth trying to do myself or let a VW mechanic do the job?
    I have the Haynes and Bentley manuals-the upper ball joints and tie rod replacement I think I can do but the lower ball joints look difficult in the VW tools required.
    Does anyone have exact location in archives(Month,Year) of above info?
    Any opinions/suggestions welcomed.
    Thanks
    GerryR

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