Genuine Volkswagen Rabbit Ball Joint

Volkswagen Rabbit Ball Joint Parts and Q&A

• Ball Joint
  1K0-407-365-C
  Q: How to inspect and replace ball joints on control arms on Volkswagen Rabbit?

  A:

  Test the Control Arm balljoints whenever one or both are out of place by trying to turn the ballstud in its socket between fingers, should any be loose, substitute balljoint. To test the balljoints when the suspension is in place, lift the part of the car that is at the front and hold it firmly on jackstands below the frame rails. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm in the front and raise it just a bit and then attempt to loosen the Steering Knuckle up and down with a large prybar under the tire or between the control arm and the steering knuckle; in case of any play can be detected, change the control arm and balljoint as a unit. It is also important to attempt rotating the steering knuckle in and out and in case play is felt, change the control arm/balljoint assembly. Check the cracks and tears of the balljoint boot and change the upper control arm/balljoint assembly in case you see any. In order to replace them, take off the wheel trim or hub cap (where applicable) and a quarter-turn loosening of the driveaxle/hub bolt of the vehicle on its wheels and the loosening of the wheel bolts. Raise the front of the car and hold it up on jackstands with the rear wheels blocked against rolling and then take off the wheel and driveaxle/hub bolt, but be sure to replace the driveaxle/hub bolt with another of similar style. Unscrew the ball joint to steering knuckle nut, a few turns but not entirely, after which the ball joint-to-control arm nuts are unscrewed and the control arm is taken off the balljoint. Insert the driveaxle into the hub far enough to fit a little balljoint separator, then push the balljoint stud out of the steering knuckle, but leave the nut partially attached so that it does not separate violently. Unscrew the nut and unscrew the balljoint of the steering knuckle, install the new balljoint to the steering knuckle and install the nut but do not screw it all the way. Install the balljoint on to the lower arm and screw the fasteners to the correct amount of torque, and the balljoint-to-steering-knuckle nut to the correct amount of tight. Lastly, install the wheel and bolts, lower the vehicle and screw the wheel bolts to the recommended torque then install a new driveaxle/hub bolt and screw it to the recommended torque.