Ball Joint: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Loosen 12-point nut with vehicle standing on its wheels.
2. Disconnect drive shaft at transmission drive flange.





3. Remove bolts arrow -A-.
4. Loosen bolt arrow -B-.
5. Separate connection between ball joint/control arm. (First mark installation position).





6. Swing wheel and suspension strut outward and support.





7. Install ball joint splitter Matra tool No. V 176 -1-, or equivalent, as shown in illustration and press out ball joint.

WARNING: Place transmission jack tool No. VAG 1383/A, or equivalent, underneath (danger of accident through falling parts when pressing out the ball joint).

NOTE: Protect ball joint threads by threading nut on a few turns.

INSTALLATION
1. Install ball joint in wheel bearing housing.





2. Using the following tools, thread on new self-locking nut, and counterhold with hex key (6 mm AF).

1- Hex key (6 mm AF), shortened by approx. 10 mm.
2- Crowfoot insert or slotted ring socket insert
3- VAG 1331

3. Secure ball joint to control arm (align to old marks).

NOTE: Ensure that the boot is not damaged or twisted.





4. Using tools -1- box insert (commercial type. 19 mm AF) and -2- crowfoot insert (commercial type, 19 mm AF), tighten components as follows:

a. Ball joint to wheel bearing housing: 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).
b. Ball joint to control arm: 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).