Audi A4: Ball Joint, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
• Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Ring Wrench - 21mm -VAG1332/7-
• Ball Joint Splitter -T40277-

  Caution

This procedure contains mandatory replaceable parts. Refer to component overview and parts catalog prior to starting procedure.

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Bolt - Ball Joint to Wheel Bearing Housing
• Nut - Ball Joint to Control Arm

Removing

• The control arm is removed. Refer to → Chapter "Control Arm, Removing and Installing".

  WARNING

There is a risk of injury from falling components.

When pressing off, the ball joint loosens abruptly from the control arm. Secure the -T40277-.

- Clamp the control arm in a vise with protective covers.

- To protect the threads, remove the nut -arrow- from the joint pin for the ball joint until it is flush with the joint pin threads.

- Press off the ball joint from the control arm using the -T40277-. Do not damage the CV boot while doing this.

- Then remove the nut and the ball joint. If necessary, counterhold on the joint pin with a TX 40 socket to do this.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.

Guide Link Bonded Rubber Bushing, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Press Plate -VW402-
• Press Piece - Multiple Use -VW412-
• Bearing Installer - Ball Joint/Bushing/Bearing 2 -VW459/2-
• Bearing Installer - Wheel Bearing -3144-
• Pneumatic Hydraulic Press -VAS6654-
• Installation Lubricant -G 294 421 A1-. Refer to the Parts Catalog.

Bonded Rubber Bushing, Pressing Out

• The guide link is removed. Refer to → Chapter "Guide Link, Removing and Installing"

- Mark the press-in depth -arrow- on the bonded rubber bushing -4-, for example using a waterproof felt-tip pen.

- Arrange the special tools as shown.

1 - -VAS6654- Punch

2 - -VW412-

3 - -VW459/2-

4 - Bonded Rubber Bushing

5 - Guide Link

6 - -3144-

7 - -VW402-

  Note

Hold the guide link firmly in position while pressing the bonded rubber bushing out and in.

- Remove the bonded rubber bushing from the guide link.

Bonded Rubber Bushing, Pressing In

- Transfer the mark for the press-in depth from the old bonded rubber bushing to the new one.

- Apply a thin coat of Installation Lubricant -G 294 421 A1- to the new bonded rubber bushing.

Bonded rubber bushing installation position:

• The notch -1- is on the steering axle and faces inward to the guide link.
• The arrow -2- points inward to the guide link.

- Insert the bonded rubber bushing in the guide link. Pay attention to the installation position.

- Arrange the special tools as shown.

1 - -VAS6654- Punch

2 - -VW412-

3 - -VW459/2-

4 - Bonded Rubber Bushing

5 - Guide Link

6 - -3144-

7 - -VW402-

- Press the bonded rubber bushing in the guide link, and do not tilt it.

- Pay attention to the mark -arrow- for the press-in depth.

- Check the press-in depth -a- of the bonded rubber bushing in the guide link.

• Dimension -a- = 23 mm.

- If the value is not reached, press in the bonded rubber bushing again.

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