Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1999 10:02:16 -0700
Reply-To: Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Subject: Re: Get yourself a hydraulic press!
In-Reply-To: <38409340.FA4A2257@cobaltgroup.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
The thing about dealing with the lower ball joint in the ball-joint adapter
is that the surface you press against is at a 45 degree angle to the
force of the press. I have a simple hacked-together press and carried
the ball-joint + adapter over to the press and looked at it for a while
and then put it back in the car until I can park the car and take the
joint + adapter somewhere to get it done ;)
I could probably have cut a piece of pipe on a 45 degree angle but
it wasn't feasible at the time, I think it was about to rain or snow
or something!
Gary
On Sat, 27 Nov 1999, Stuart wrote:
> Gary,
>
> Haven't had to do that job, my joints are okay, except for my knees!
> I'm waiting for them to perfect knew "ball joints" for knee replacement!
>
> Bentley shows a "squeezing" device, but a tie rod puller like Eastwood
> sells might also work. There usually is a way to do these things
> without the VW tools. Independent shops probably can't get VW tools
> easily, or don't want to pay for them. Snap-On will probably have
> something equivalent but also expensive. You have to pay for their
> lifetime guarantee.
>
> Part of the fun of having a press and making it useful is collecting
> pieces of pipe in various diameters, old generator cases, most anything
> cylindrical and strong. It looks like the Bentley shows a large piece
> of pipe cut in half the long way to support the steering knuckle while
> pressing in the joint. Figuring out how to support all these odd pieces
> while pressing is part of the fun!
>
> Stuart
>
> Gary Shea wrote:
> >
> > Stuart, have you used your press to push the lower ball joint out
> > of the 'ball joint adapter' on the '80-83 or so vanagons? It seems
> > pretty tricky...
> >
> > Gary
> >
> > On Sat, 27 Nov 1999, Stuart wrote:
> > > No serious do it yourself Vanagon owner with more than 130,000 miles on
> > > the clock should be without one of these! CV joints, upper control arm
> > > busings, and ball joint replacements are a breeze with this tool. You
> > > can find them for $130-$150 (Taiwan made, more than adequate for the do
> > > it yourselfer), and they are worth it. Shipping will add a bit as you
> > > get farther east, but look for those little tool stores in your area.
> > >
> > > I have had one for about 5 years now and have paid for it twice over
> > > between my MGBs and Vanagon.
> > >
> > > Stuart
> > >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > Gary Shea shea@xmission.com
> > Salt Lake City http://www.xmission.com/~shea
>
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Gary Shea shea@xmission.com
Salt Lake City http://www.xmission.com/~shea
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