Bad Ball Joints

[deano]

If you plan to replace your ball joints, beware that many of the replacement ones are now too large, and will not keep their shape if you try to press them into your trailing arms. Measure the ball joint O.D., and then the trailing arm I.D., and double check the crush, before attempting to press them into your arms. Otherwise, once installed, they could seize, and lock up. Many of the replacement ones are now machined for a .020-inch crush which is way too much. It should be about .006. I was lucky. The ball joints I had were purchased almost one year ago (Bilstein/Febi from Wolfsburg West), so when VW Paradise pressed them in, they alerted me of the potential problem, but we ended up being okay on size. Hope this helps you save some time and hassle, before you rebuild your front end. Note: once you press in the ball joints, make sure you can still move the stem with your finger. It should be firm, but not locked up!

[Jim Ratto]

Dean, you might want to try the Meyle ones.....

[BeetleBug]

If you plan to replace your ball joints, beware that many of the replacement ones are now too large, and will not keep their shape if you try to press them into your trailing arms. Measure the ball joint O.D., and then the trailing arm I.D., and double check the crush, before attempting to press them into your arms. Otherwise, once installed, they could seize, and lock up. Many of the replacement ones are now machined for a .020-inch crush which is way too much. It should be about .006. I was lucky. The ball joints I had were purchased almost one year ago (Bilstein/Febi from Wolfsburg West), so when VW Paradise pressed them in, they alerted me of the potential problem, but we ended up being okay on size. Hope this helps you save some time and hassle, before you rebuild your front end. Note: once you press in the ball joints, make sure you can still move the stem with your finger. It should be firm, but not locked up!

Yeah... welcome to the world of shitty quality repro parts... Mine is too firm - locks up about everything and the car is terrible to drive.

[Donny B.]

Makes me feel glad that I bought a spare set of new German ball joints for my stash about 12 years ago.

[Tony M]

Been down that road - i have found that the TRW ball joints work good - did one job 3 times till i put in the TRW's in - no problem - tried the Meyle one's also - big.