Upper Ball Joint R&R From: Paul Guzyk Year(s): 1980 - 1991 Model/Type: Vanagon Symptom(s): Loose steering, clunk sound when turning
Upper ball joints are a piece of cake...unless your van lives in the
rust belt, then it may be a little tougher.
spray the two (8mm I think) allen bolts with PB Blaster the night
before. While you're at it spray the large nut and the tapered shaft
of the old ball joint too.
Loosen the big nut on the ball joint (27mm I think, remove cotter pin
first if equipped), then whack the top of the steering knuckle with a
big hammer to separate if from the ball joint. If you have a pickle
fork even better.
Lastly, remove the two allen bolts, ball joint should fall into your hands.
this site should be helpful:
http://volksweb.relitech.com/uballjnt.htm
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Lower ball joints...that's a whole different ball game (pun intended)
Free in the Android Market, the Vanagon Rescue Squad app for Android
phones. Scan the QR or search the
Market for Vanagon.
