Ball joint/control arm replacement

TDIEB

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2003
Location
MA, USA
TDI
2003 Golf blue
I have decide to change the lower control arms and ball joints . My 03 Golf has 251,000 miles and when I go in reverse and hit the brake a hear a small clunk in the front right.

How hard is it to remove the ball joint form it's socket?

thanks
 

roadhard1960

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2004
Location
Covington, Ga.
TDI
2003 Jetta wagon GLS 5 speed
Have you inspected the control arm bushings? I was getting some weird noises that went away with ne control arm bushings.

Removing ball joint is easy, I think but I live in the south where my car does not see salt.
 

coalminer16

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 11, 2008
Location
Central Wisconsin
TDI
Golf 2004
There is a nice how too on the ball joint. Leave the axle in and use the nut that holds it tight to force the ball joint out of the tapered spot. Don't forget the new bolts as they are stretch torque to yield (tty) bolts. I don't think you have to do the whole control arm. The ball joint and rear mount (converting to an audi TT rear bushing=solid rubber) is all that would be needed and it isn't that expensive either. Haven't done either but I have read up on them as I am planning on doing them latter this summer with shocks.
 
Top