vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal (pics added)

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jonathanrs
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vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal (pics added)

Post by jonathanrs »

Hi all

I have just completed a successful removal and refitting of all 4 ball joints on a 73 baywindow - first change as the orgional joints were still in.
I did this on the vehicle without removing the arms or grinding or hammering.

I did this with a a copy i made of the VW removal tool with a modification of mine to reseat the new joints. I used a C clamp press i bought from Ardendorfs and my big 1 inch drive ratchet spanner bought years ago for R30 to stop shearing off the 3/4 drive when tightening beetle crank bolts.

after all the horror stories i was told and heard about needing a 10 ton press - this job was actually pretty easy with the correct tools.
I did have to fiddle around getting the ball joint tools 100% _ made them from mild steel not tool steel. i now have a good template for a tool and die maker to use to make them.

If any one is going to do this job - it can be done on the vehicle without stripping much.
Last edited by jonathanrs on Fri Nov 12, 2021 8:19 am, edited 1 time in total.


73type2
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal

Post by 73type2 »

Good job!

Some pictures would be nice.
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retrovan
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal

Post by retrovan »

well done, yes always better to made your own tools then you always have them.

Photos please

Herman
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1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
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Tony Z
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal

Post by Tony Z »

I tried to copy the VW tools and thought I did a good job, but they just ended up bending. I've been meaning to make another beefier version but I havent gotten to it yet.
Also, sometimes the G-clamp bends quite a bit and I've had to resort to other methods. Mine is a proper balljoint G-clamp, not a small woodworking one.

Glad you came right. It is a really crap job if the balljoints dont shift
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retrovan
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal

Post by retrovan »

Have always found it easy to use heat to expand the socket side ,

as even it you roast the ball joint, you going to turf it away anyway.

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
jonathanrs
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal

Post by jonathanrs »

Image
extraction tools

Image
reseating tool

Image
ardendorf C clamp - about R700

Image
assembled extraction tool

Image
new ball joints in
Image
stub axle back on
Last edited by jonathanrs on Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:47 am, edited 3 times in total.
jonathanrs
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal

Post by jonathanrs »

I copied the tools from pics of the VW tools found on the internet.
Image

mild steel cost about R200 for the bits and pieces - i used a new balljoint as a template
plug welded etc together with a 50year arc welder with 3 settings so welds strong but not pretty
some modifications and reweld of the two pins (they compressed slightly on second joint as it the arm had lost a corner of the pushing area. weld made it stronger (heat treatment)
I tried to heat treat the tools - heated up in my anthracite stove and plunged in oil.

to use continually they really need to be made out of toolsteel. sadly i dont have a workshop or the equipment to do this.
the thinner tubes were used to press the new joints back in using the base of the extraction tool.

the Clamp worked perfectly - if you can bend that doing this I will eat it.
i compressed the ball bearing inside the shaft - so i can see the pressure I applied.
no heating required - the second side i pulled and replaced ball joints in about 1 1/2 hours - no rush.
i had to pull the upper ball joints with the camber adjuster on - would not move but there was enough clearance inside the tool to not damage the camber adjusters - removed afterwards and reused

this is a 1973 one owner bus - the joints removed were origional.
i used a punch to seat the top edges of the ball joint - didnt get to make the tool per VW
Ardendorf press cost about R700
steel cost me about R200
welding time and a few rods
a fair amount of time scratching my head and think about the whole process
I found 4 ball joints a while back marked ECO and with OE dust covers on them - possibly VW origionals? paid R1200
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Re: vw kombi type 2 baywindow ball joint removal (pics added)

Post by 73type2 »

Thanks Jonathan. This will be a good reference when I tackle this job on my Bay Window.
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