Genuine Volkswagen Transporter Ball Joint

Volkswagen Transporter Ball Joint Parts and Q&A

• Upper Ball Joint
  251-407-361
  Q: How does the steering wheel transmit movement to the wheels, and what are the implications of worn ball joints on vehicle handling and tire wear on Volkswagen Transporter?

  A:

  Movement is then transmitted to the wheels via the steering column, steering gear and a drag link to the relay lever and then a tie rod to the steering arm per each front wheel. The drag link and tie rods contain a total of six ball joints, which can wear easily; the possibility of the bending or improper orientation of the rod may also result in a poor wheel alignment and this would cause handling problems and abnormal tires wear. The steering gear can no longer guarantee accurate steering or the wobble of the wheels since worn joints enable movement of the wheels without regulating the steering. The only three of the six ball joints that can be refueled separately since they are adjustable are those on the right hand tie rod and the front of the drag link, the rest would need the whole tie rod or drag link to be changed in case of wear. Movement in the direction of the side of the steering wheel can help indicate wear that can be found by having the front wheels on the ground and moving the steering wheel sideways; any movement lost would suggest a deteriorating joint. Ball joint pins are tight and may be removed hitting on one side holding a hammer on the other side. It is important to remember to mark the location of an adjustable tie rod end when changing it because it determines the total length of the tie rod as well as the likelihood of causing alignment problems in the wheel, where one of the ball joints is left hand threaded. Each ball joint must have a grease retaining seal in place, which may be replaced in case it is broken and additional grease may be applied when there is a removal plug. Installation of a new joint should be done in the same manner as the one taken off and aligned with the other joint before fixing the clamp. Taper pin must be clean when refitting and when the thread of the nut is not smooth then it must be cleaned in order to fit with no complications. The nuts should be properly tightened by the use of the correct torque and new split pins should be in place. Once steering ball joints have been replaced, a inspection of wheel alignment is performed and the tie rod adjusted to properly align the wheel toe and the drag link adjusted to position the steering gear in the center of the straight-ahead position when the wheels are pointed correctly, since these two are interdependent and need a professional and the proper equipment to adjust.