Ball joint cover replacement.

[snowblind]

I need to fit new ball joint covers on, well, I think I might do all four at the front while the hubs are off. I also need to replace the adjustable track rod which is bent. Can anyone help me with this, whats the best way to go about it? Been looking at the manuals but a bit confused, guessing I need some a fork or puller? Is it a case of taking the track rods off and then trying to drop the steering knuckles, then tackling the ball joints? Thanks in advance.

 

[Fortunate Son]

To spilt the ball joints I got me one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht118-tie-rodball-joint-splitter-set" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and used the biggest fork (had to saw off 10mm or so off each end of the forks from recollection)

or maybe you could try one of these:

http://www.justkampers.com/shop/beetles/beetle-vehicle-accessories/tools/brake-suspension/scissor-action-ball-joint-separator-jaw-gap-19mm-22mm-j13422.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- perhaps this one would be Ok if you ever wanted to split the joints without destroying the rubbers.

One tip - be really careful with the circlips when you remove them as you will most likely need to reuse them with your new rubbers (when I did mine I looked everywhere and couldnt get any new circlips - maybe you can now - perhaps someone else can point you in the direction).

Replacing the adjustable track rod is pretty easy using the same splitters as above.

Good luck with it

Andy

 

[young_dubya]

I use one of these, the beauty is it just slides in so theres no hammering and banging ( also means you can seperate balljoints with good rubbers if needed without reckin um!)

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht222-ball-joint-remover/path/automotive-hand-tools" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Used it over and over and over again and its paid for its self god knows how many times over.

One thing i would say is mark your camber nuts (between the top balljoint and the spindle) as its an excentric hole so to prevent tracking issues i usually mark them as acuratly as possible before undoing anything, then the spindle should drop off once the ball joints are seperated. Also if you need rubber i think custom and commercial sell single ones.

Ash

 

[lhu128l]

id change the whole ball joints as they are probably shot anyway

 

[snowblind]

Thanks for the advice, I'm going the whole hog and putting new ball joints and seals in etc and then the jobs good for a while and I can worry about something else.