Passat Ball Joint Replacement

[JTBUSH]

Unfortunately, my Passat failed its MOT on Friday. Ive been quoted £300 for the work which I'm less than able to afford at the moment. Having a pit in the garage, and a full complement of tools, I fancy having a crack myself.

Basically, it is the ball joint at the bottom of the shocker which connects it to the lower control arm which is shot.

Does anyone know of any online guides on doing this job or if any special tools are needed. I managed to get under the car yesterday and get all the nuts off all the bolts, so nothing seems to be stuck.

[Glassman]

Spring clamps - if you want to keep your bones intact.

[JTBUSH]

Yep, already got those.

Ive also heard you need an oversize ball joint splitter as the standard one isnt big enough. Is this right?

[Dave80s]

what year/model passat? I have got the Haynes Manual for 98-

It says the whole control arm must be replaced?

[JTBUSH]

It is a 98 tdi

Yep, you cant change the ball joint, youve got to remove and replace the whole control arm.

[Dave80s]

ok if you need help I can check the book for you.

[JTBUSH]

The way I was going to do it

Jack up side of car Im working on so wheel is hanging free
Use spring compressor to hold spring
remove bolts
split the ball joints
replace

Is this how it goes in the manual?
Is there any particular order for removal of the bolts?

[Dave80s]

For the front lower arm it says....

1. jack up, remove wheel etc.
2. release automatic headlight levelling sensor clip and rod (if fitted).
3. remove nut, separate front lower control arm from steering knuckle using a ball joint separator.
4. unscrew nut and remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt from the front control arm.
5. remove nut and detach stabiliser bar link from control arm.
6. unscrew nut and withdraw control arm inner pivot bolt, then remove arm from vehicle. Note that the bolt is threaded through the inner of the 2 sets of subframe bolt holes.

Where it says 'nut' it doesn't say which one?

manufacturer recommends new nuts fitted when old ones are removed.

hope this is of some use, Dave.

Edited by Dave80s on Monday 19th November 13:37

[JTBUSH]

Cheers that is fantastic. Will go to Halfords later and get the manual myself. Been meaning to get it for a while anyway.

Thanks for that!