VW JETTA 2011-2014 Ball Joints DIY Replacement

[@CSTLLNS]

For you guys doing this for the first time turn the steering wheel all the way to get clearance and lock it in place with the seatbelt. No need to remove the axle you can use an open end wrench and that pickle fork to get it out. Saves some time and some money.

[@TheOnlyInformant]

How do you tighten the ball joint then?

[@CSTLLNS]

@@TheOnlyInformantan open end wrench. If you have experience working on cars you have a good idea of proper torque for this nut.

[@TheOnlyInformant]

@@CSTLLNS most ball joints I've seen have an allen key slot in the thread portion. Which if you were to tighten it spec would require you to use it as spinning any ball joint or shock would likely damage it.

[@CSTLLNS]

@@TheOnlyInformant most ball joints when new don’t spin upon install. Also if they do spin you just put pressure against the knuckle and it doesn’t spin. Like I said if you have experience it’s a piece of cake.

[@CSTLLNS]

@@TheOnlyInformant if you have a lower ball joint, upper ball joint, outer tie rod ball joint, sway bar link ball joint the key is put pressure on the ball joint and whatever you’re fastening to and it will not spin.

[@hardcore4476]

Clean wrap. Thanks for your service, if you served! I like the ride.

[@Ciscorios28]

Bro which ball joints you bought the steel ones or aluminum?

[@JoelsDriveway]

I believe they are aluminum. Some of the facelifted jettas use the steel ones. Just verify the part number and model. The bushing is what fails and is most important.

[@Ciscorios28]

@@JoelsDriveway thank you for replying, im gotta check that out im not sure what my care uses.

[@CSTLLNS]

The difference between the ball joints for the aluminum knuckle or steel knuckle is a regular locking nut vs a locking flange nut.

[@willtoulan]

Do you think you could break that axle bolt free with the car in the air if you were using an impact?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes, pretty sure a lot of shops do it that way.

[@hardcore4476]

It’s possible but always better to loosen it while on the ground with a breaker bar. Prevent your impact from the extra hard work.

[@Niko-1004]

You don't have to remove the axle... there's enough room. Adjust work on the ball joint