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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.

Makanda Illinois = ;

-----Original = Message-----
From: gerry rafferty <gerryr@DIRECT.CA>
To: = Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Dat= e: 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.