VW Beetle Pressing Ball Joints Removal And Installation! DIY! No Large Press!

#vwbeetle #sladesbeetle #aircooled #vwbeetleballjoint #vwbug #balljointpress
This week I show VW Beetle ball joint removal and ball joint installation!
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[@plumblevelsquarebear8147]

Had NO IDEA ball joints were directional!! Keep the vids and tips coming for this newbie 67 bug owner! THANKS!!!

[@daos3300]

most new ones are not. eliminates the risk of fitting them wrong.

[@benkanobe7500]

I went 30 years in my shop without a press. Oooooops! A friend had a cheapy Harbor Freight 20 Ton I must have used 30 times. I finally purchased the same press with the 20% off coupon. I regret not purchasing it 35 years ago. I use it all the time. More each year as I find more and more uses for it. The first year it sat almost unused, but with time it has become as invaluable as a wrench! (They take up space, so mine is on the side of my house just under the eves and I keep a cover over it)

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I have been tempted to buy one. I could probably have so many uses for it, and don’t realize it. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@williamtanner1372]

Wow! I need to rest after watching that. Learned something new that will be handy one day. Looking forward to the body work.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

It was so humid in my garage that day, I literally was getting out of breath. Our weather is slowly changing coming into winter. I hope you’re doing well my friend.

[@lawrenceirvine8759]

Mornin' Slade. Please allow me to give you the story on my BJ R&R experience. I ordered my new BJ through CIP1, when they arrived I checked them out and they were very hard to turn. They moved fore and aft fine but very stiff to turn. So I thought okay that's just the deal, once they are installed and I have the mechanical advantage of the steering wheel it will be fine. Well when I got the arms installed in the cae and all the linkage hooked up they were still stiff. I didn't have the steering column hooked up yet so no steering wheel advantage. The BJ were so tight that I could not grab the tire and force the steering to swing. Normally you should be able to get the steering to swing just be applying torque to the tires ( car jacked up of course). So long story short I was still in denial about the BJ being WAY too tight so eventually I get the steering column hooked up get the wheels aligned and this thing is still STIFF! Man I have to reef on the steering wheel to get it to steer. There is absolutely no way the steering will self center after going around a corner, I have to steer back to straight. So I think I will be taking things apart and putting in new "new" ball joints. Now I had mine installed by a shop using an extract and a press and they said it was the hardest set of BJ to get unseated and installed that they had ever dealt with.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That is very strange Lawrence, I have never run into that before. If they were put in right, according to the marks, in the right position. There should be no problem. If in fact they were not put in the proper position, the ride will be extremely stiff and very hard to steer. Give me an update when you can, I’m curious to see what is going on.

[@charlsiefine3377]

I'm another person that didn't know and appreciate your explanation! Thanks for what your doing here man.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much I truly appreciate the kind comment. I just try to show, a little of what I know.

[@bubot17]

Nice info for people guys with simple hand tools, I appreciate this

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you for the nice, Gilbert, I just try to give a little advice when possible.

[@sevenoaksbrewing]

Hey, Slade, I’m that one person you mentioned early in the video that doesn’t know about ball joints so I appreciate the detail you went into explaining. My bug is a 66 so I’ll need to be inspecting them soon now that I’ve taken care of all the quick and easy stuff 😁

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I think we all learn along the way. There’s things that I still learn, like the insides of transmissions I’m slowly learning. Take your time, and inspect them and make sure that you’re safe.

[@SuperInstaGib]

I just paid a shop way more than I expected to put new ball joints in my control arms about a week ago. After watching your efforts, I’m starting to think it wasn’t such a bad deal! Even still, appreciate the video. I’ve never considered cutting them out, and you showed it’s definitely possible with just simple hand tools. Great video as usual

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much! I think doing these ball joints are the worse! LOL I don't enjoy that part of the job! LOL

[@chinaclipper1]

Hi I just got my control arm bushings out. I had gotten the rubber parts out months ago, but now it was time to install, and I needed to get the steel inserts'. I saw some guy who used a rental tool, I got one FOR FREE at AutoZone. It is called the Powerbuilt 23 pc Ball joint/U-Joint Service Kit. They rent it for free. Took me about 10 minutes to get BOTH steel inserts out-I used a 27mm socket for the "push". When I brought it back I brought the guys and gals over at AutoZone some donuts to show my appreciation.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That’s awesome!!! Most things can be done at home honestly. Of course with certain tools!

[@geraldbaumgras2663]

I just used your procedure and it worked great. Thanks for the great tip.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@geraldbaumgras2663 and thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment, I truly appreciate that. I’m glad it went well.

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

Interesting details about the position. I can see how not knowing this would put you in a tuff position and not being able to steer with ease. Thanks for sharing this information. Have a superb day.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks my friend, it definitely matters if they are not put in the proper position. You will know real quick while driving! I hope that you’re having a great day.

[@benkanobe7500]

Thanks for taking the time to cut the boot off and show us the actual workings of the fore and aft of the balljoint.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

its a pain to put new ball joints in. without the right tools even harder, but you did it. it with be better if the c clamp bolt had fine treads, so one turn can put more power to it. nicely done and 3 to go. next week windows? well there is always someone that will learn from it Tony. keep up the good work.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you my friend! Oddly enough, I wondered why there was such course threads. It made it seem much tougher than it should have been. I’m glad you brought that up.

[@GT.Bugger]

Yak, did you say bodywork 😅. Glad you managed to make it work, I have mine in all manner of positions as I didn't have a vice lol. Will have to check back through videos and have a giggle at myself.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes, unfortunately bodywork. I really don’t like bodywork at all. I have no choice because I can’t afford to pay someone. 😁

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thanks for the video this is on my list for next year unless you want to do it.😁😁

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Doug I truly appreciate it. Okay….come on bring it over. Let’s get it done!

[@jamiewalton23]

Never done one buddy, so thanks for the tips. That tool looks great, I'm gonna get one when I remove my front end on betty the bus lols

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You’re welcome!! They’re honestly a pain in the butt!

[@davegiller5303]

Used a similar tool on mine slade, pushed them out with it too, they do work, however I was using a 36 inch breaker bar....keep on keeping on

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Dave, I ended up using a 3 foot pipe on the one, and when I heard a loud crack, I thought I broke my breaker bar. Here it was the ball joint coming loose. 😁

[@greggbrown0]

Hey my friend, I'm like "Generic User" I didn't know that about the ball joint. Great information.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m definitely glad that I did this video. I even got quite a few emails on it through my website.

[@johnfreeman1189]

Excellent video. Great tips!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much Jon I truly appreciate that! I hope that you have been doing well.

[@zimms-world]

Great video. I know ball joints are hard to press in but it looks like you got a good way to do it. I’ll be doing mine soon. I am also one of those people that don’t know. Thanks for explaining

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’m glad that it helped, not everybody knows everything. Including me, there are things that I learn along the way. Making sure your front end parts are in good condition or replaced is so important.

[@jimmd53]

Thanks Slades, you got a hell of a lot more “Umphhh” than I do. I liked this episode, you again showed that this level work can be done by anyone with a bit of mechanical know how and a ‘Can do it’ attitude. Nice episode.

[@jimmd53]

Slades, you once mentioned using an Ethanol friendly 5.5 mm fuel hose that you would put the link through EBay. Could you let us know that link, I am placing Kevin’s metal fuel filter bracket and want to try the 5.5 mm fuel hose like you recommended. Thanks. Jim S

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you James, I try to show it using simple tools when possible. Not all of us have a lot of money to go out and buy a large press or other items that would be needed. The only 5.5 MM that I see on eBay right now does not say ethanol safe. 🥺 So I can’t include a link at this moment. However, I got a message from my buddy a few days ago, what everyone seems to be doing lately is using the fuel injection hose from your local auto parts store because it is ethanol safe. Just make sure you have the proper size and it fits tight. I would take my fuel filter to the parts store with me. This ethanol is becoming a real pain in the rear end..

[@jimmd53]

@@SladesVWBeetle Thanks Slades. Will look into the 5.5 mm fuel injection hose as an alternative to the German braided 5.0 mm hose.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@jimmd53 i’m sorry I should’ve worded that better. That was my fault. I believe it’s 1/4 inch fuel injection hose, but take your fuel filter with you to make sure it fits nice and tight. I still run the 5.5MM hose to be honest with you. The braided stuff. I just change it every couple of years because it really doesn’t cost that much to do.

[@davevanhorn9673]

I like to add wheel bearing grease to the forcing screw threads to make it easier and reduce chance of falling threads.. I’ve used my impact gun many times on my ball joint puller over the years and never had any problems with it

[@gman824]

A very helpful video. I have the Astro ball joint tool kit already. So I’m ready. I’ll throw my ball joints in the freezer overnight. Thanks for your help. 😃👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Great speaking with you G-man, I hope everything goes smoothly for you. You’re most welcome my friend. Anytime at all.

[@acdcfan5672]

Thank you for the ball joint video. As we discussed before, $20/Ball Joint to be pressed in my area. Penny saved is more to spend on other goodies for the VW. Have a great day buddy

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much, I’m always looking for ways to save money, but to install quality products at the same time. I hope that you had a great day.

[@leo0596]

Hey Slades! I've done the ball joints with the c-clamps and adapters from autozone, I didn't have a table vise so it was a bit of a struggle but I managed! What a difference new ball joints make!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I’ll give you a lot of credit my friend, I don’t know what I would do without a vice. You definitely did a great job then!

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

My wife walked by while I was watching this and asked me what I was watching. I told her I was watching a video about joints 😅

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh man!!! 😂 She probably thought it was Mr. Rogers! I have an odd voice 😂😂

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

@@SladesVWBeetle lol we got a good laugh out of that!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@JamesDavis-jo9tk thanks for honestly taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate that!!

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

@@SladesVWBeetle and thank you very much for taking the time to make these videos!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@JamesDavis-jo9tk and thank you for being here! It is truly appreciated.

[@leonardramsey3458]

The ball joint tool is the best 💪🏼 tool. It is still a Bear of a job,.... But it sure makes it an" EASIER" Job. Great Video 👍🏻📸 Love the Detailed work/Instructions

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much Leonard! Those little buggers are in there so tight it is unbelievable. It definitely makes you work for it. And thanks for the great comment!!

[@johncollins5552]

Thanks for this helps me out, I bought new balljoints about 2 years ago but because no instructions come with them and the manual doesn't go into enough detail I chickened out on installing them. Now when I get some good weather out on the driveway I will tackle the job. I fitted new window seals all round last Summer and was surprised the front was most difficult considering it's almost flat, I expected the curved back window would be tricky but the opposite was the case. Just have extra help on ✋.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

The ball joints definitely can be a battle. But most important they must be put in it openly, as shown. I had trouble with my back window the last time around. But I did it alone, which was making it worse.

[@JustBugginVW]

Great Video! This sure looked like a workout😅🤣❤️🤙🏻Great Job man! We’re gonna have to attempt ball joint replacement soon for our bug…luckily we got a press😅👏🏻haha -Dalton

[@scottm4894]

Lubricate the threads of the tool, use anti- seize compound.

[@volkswatson]

Good Stuff! Guess I should have waited til you put this out. I could have saved me 80 bucks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much! They’re quite a pain in the butt to do, but I like to make sure they’re in properly.

[@polypetalous]

I DONT get tired of you repeating... repetition is what I require to learn and/or retain... Thanks for this video, front end rebuild on my '74 Super is my planned Winter Project. Biggest worry was whether I could do it without a press or not... Still not sure that I (personally) can do it, but know its possible! Thanks Slade... I always feel more "VW confident" after one of your videos.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much for understanding, I think I got used to repeating everything after raising four kids. 😁 On your super beetle, it will not be that bad. If you scroll back on my older videos towards the beginning. I did the whole front suspension on my 73 super beetle. What a great driving car that was. I already miss it. The handling, and comfort level of driving, is superior.

[@phillipcollums3589]

Just a suggestion because I do this a lot with the same kit and it is way easier to put the clamp in the vise and leave the trailing arm hanging. That way you are pulling down on the threaded press as you tighten. It gives you more leverage and the clamp is more secure as you pull so much torque. Also use the largest crescent wrench you can find for leverage. I still have to use a socket to press the old ones out since the kit is not very complete.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Philip! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and advice. I always appreciate stuff like this!

[@richsmith6952]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jnwhrt13]

Smart

[@michaelboisselle8590]

As far as lining up the ball joint put a t square on the part that slides into the beam and the ball joint lines up straight with the t square

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Awesome video. This is going to help a lot of people. 👍👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much I truly appreciate that! I always have these videos help a couple of people out.

[@alexhuevera939]

i think freezing the ball joint overnight and heating the hell out of the control arm with torch would be a winner move

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

You can add grease fittings to those ball joints also. KZbin channel okfixer has a video on how to DIY.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes exactly, it’s actually a good idea. I sure miss that guy, I really liked watching his videos. Very nice personality, and very knowledgeable.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@SladesVWBeetle I miss watching his videos also. Hopefully someday he will post videos again. Last I read he does make videos, but he doesn't post them. Like he said in his videos, he is doing it for his grandchildren to watch someday.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@vintage76vipergreenBeetle Yes sir, that is exactly what he said. Something about that guy really liked. Probably his views. Lol But also, his personality. Very laid-back, very knowledgeable, and a great on video!

[@pawleymediaconsultantsllc5]

Awesome Video. Ball Joints are next on my OWN list. I don't have a Hydraulic Press. BUT, now I know there is HOPE :)

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes, make sure to go over your front end parts. They are so important, I think people forget to check them. If you have a hydraulic press, you have it made! I was going to get a 12 ton press…but my buddy said to get a 20 ton for these. So I backed away because the price was too high right now.

[@bertiesbugresto7730]

Thanks bloke.....great vid Im doing my front beam and suspension components on my 69 bug first up so this info is awesome..thanks.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Robert!!

[@crankbait09]

I am getting ready to do this. Do you have a video explaining the process on how to remove that control arm from the car?

[@chiphewlett6144]

The stock upper ball joint on my '68 bug has an off center stud. And, it looks like the camber adjusting nut and cone are part of the joint. My new ball joints are not off center, and there are no marks for lining it up. Did I get the wrong joints? Surely do enjoy your instruction!

[@blakewaddell451]

Another great video Slades. I plan on buying a press for home since I would use one enough. I have that ball joint tool already since I use it at work sometimes and I have a press there too but I want a press at home haha. Always need an excuse to buy more stuff anyway. I’ve been working on mine a little this weekend. That’s one thing I like about winter time is work begins to slow down so I’m not worn out at the end of the day like I was before.

[@antoniorivera6187]

Nice job sir it sure took a lot of you 😁 👍🏻👍🏻 stay safe my friend

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes Antonio, the humidity was extremely high in my garage, I was getting out of breath quick. I probably should’ve opened some more windows up and put a fan in it would’ve helped so much.

[@marksimmons3801]

hammer and 24 mm deep socket 1 or 2 hits them out no saw

[@galencurrington8704]

I have the dealer tools to do them on or off a car very easy. Before I found the tools I’d beat them out with a ball peen hammer. Lol

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh wow!! I would love to find old dealer tools!! I check the samba classifieds once in a while in hopes of finding stuff like that.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

I have changed ball joints before. Never noticed the directional thing 🙄🙄🙄 hope its just a Beetle thing. ???? My bro in law has a shop and they use c clamp and impact gun all the time

[@SladesVWBeetle]

It depends what you change them on, I have only ran into them on Beetles…. The other stuff that I worked on over the years, Chevrolet, Ford and stuff like that I’ve never ran into it at all.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

@@SladesVWBeetle Ok. Thats good to hear !! Must be a beetle thing lol.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@pstreetgarage7304 I believe it is, unless there’s a couple other oddball‘s out there. But the stuff that you and I are used to working on and owning over the years are not like that.

[@MrGarcon98]

should there be notches all ready made from factories or what ever ? thanks

[@FunFun-tv7gq]

Thanks Slade for pointing out the directional notches. I got the same press, it does work. Can’t wait to watch doing the body work which is not as much fun. What MiG welder are you planning on using ? Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I hope it helped my friend, the ball joints must be clocked in the proper position or there definitely will be problems. Not all cars are like this of course. But are very loved VWs are unfortunately. I have a cheap harbor freight welder hear that I’ll probably use. But my body left his Lincoln here, I’m not sure for how long. If it’s here then I’ll probably use it!

[@michaelboisselle8590]

If you don't have the c clamp use the vise

[@Paulman50]

👍😊

[@SladesVWBeetle]

✌🏻🍺

[@superbear617]

Very interesting video! I was wondering whether the press tool you used to install the new ball joint could also be used to press out the old one? Perhaps a spacer that is sized correctly for that purpose might do the trick??? Just thinking about it. BTW, the sound went a bit quieter around 2:45 to 3:15; not sure why; not a big deal. And, I will remember to "be sure to drop it" when the time comes!! :))

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I actually got that from Amazon. I’m really not that impressed with it though. You can rent one, for free technically speaking, from AutoZone, or advanced auto parts. And I believe it’s a larger set with the spacers. What you were noticing with the sound, I have a GoPro set up on a different angle. So sometimes I switch the cameras back-and-forth while I’m filming. Unfortunately the GoPro I don’t have a mic attached to my body.

[@PopularityContest]

Hey 👋 Another great video the quality is is even better but it wasn't bad before. Also thanks for the merch 👏 Also I was wondering if you had a video on valve adjustment because I plan on doing this myself one day. Ouch that had to hurt because I felt it myself especially the slow-motion and saw sounds did the chalkboard thing.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks my friend, I truly appreciate your input. I’m still getting used to the microphone, sometimes I have it too close, and then too far. I have a video on valve adjustment I’ll put the link at the end of this message. Yeah when the hammer met my hand, that kind of hurt a little bit. 😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl7RcoprjdKMj68

[@PopularityContest]

@@SladesVWBeetle I knew you had one in the archives. Toss the problem/solution video with links in your community that would be dope

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@PopularityContest I do need to start putting my links up in various places. It just seems like life is so hectic.

[@PopularityContest]

@@SladesVWBeetle Your growth is motivation

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@PopularityContest Thanks my friend!!

[@CampingOutOfDebt88]

Awesome! Now, where are you getting your Trailing Arm Grease Seals from? I've seen mixed reviews on these? Ball joints are something I'm not looking forward to.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Honestly they weren’t a lot of fun to do. I refuse to edit my films to the point of making it look easy. I just don’t believe in it. I’m going to check into Wolfsburg west, I usually use them for any type of rubber product. I hope that made sense.

[@CampingOutOfDebt88]

@@SladesVWBeetle Thanks!

[@gerardobarajas4254]

Hi. Why my bug jumps and shakes when I put in first to take off Do you know ? Need help thanks in advance 🙏

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You’ll have to definitely start with checking all bushings up front. There isn’t many to see, but check the control arms, idler, etc…

[@gerardobarajas4254]

@@SladesVWBeetle Oh ok I'm going to check everything under the car Is a vw baja Thanks I check and I let you know Thanks again

[@OFFAxisBuilds]

nice video on ball joints. keep up the great work. have you come up with a name for this bug yet?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks my friend I appreciate that. Yes I did announce the name a little while back, I think it was the…will it run video. Chaos is her name!!

[@abisaelalvarez5269]

Hey Slade! I’m pressing in my ball joints today and I’ve done the lower ones but the upper control arm doesn’t seem to have a notch to show which direction the ball joint should go. I noticed the video only shows the lower ball joints. Any tips on the upper?

[@Procooktip]

Hi Slade! I just got my ball joints replaced on my 1969 beetle and the steering is now very stiff and wandering. It’s also having a hard time straightening out after going through a turn. Any ideas how to fix this problem?

[@michaelboisselle8590]

Ok that works buuuuuuut if you're going to use such a method cut the threaded side of the ball joint off, put the arm on your vice with the ball joint just hanging off and bang it out with a hammer, much safer on the arm and much quicker