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Offline VAG_Tech

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Rialta Ball Joint Replacement. How to?
« on: July 13, 2015, 06:16:25 pm »
Might not be the best place to post this. Remove if not. Just wondering what the best way would be to do upper and lower ball joints on a 2003 Rialta. I have to do mine here in quick order before I can register it in my province. I've seen people use ball joint presses and regular pullers. Some use the block to block the control arm before they un-tension the torsion bar some don't they just un-tension the bar. I'd like to see a how to on this subject where the backyard mechanic or someone without special tools can perform. Anyone have experience with Eurovan ball joints?

Thanks in advance!
If I'm not camping, I'm not happy.
2003 Rialta (Louis)
1973 VW Campmobile (Freedom)

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Offline Itsamoto

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Re: Rialta Ball Joint Replacement. How to?
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2015, 10:33:53 pm »
There are a couple of really excellent write ups on this:

http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=196418

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4234370-How-to-change-Upper-Ball-Joints-2002-EV

They key here that you need a ball joint remover -- which you can get from Cdn-Tire if you buy your ball joints through them.

And, hey I'm local to you -- would love to see the Rialta in person some time.

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Offline Itsamoto

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Offline GotMojo

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Re: Rialta Ball Joint Replacement. How to?
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2015, 12:06:12 pm »
Procedure is the same as a Eurovan.  Look for videos on YouTube.  I used a second set of stands and a steel pipe to take the load off of the upper control arm.  No need to loosen the torsion bar if you go that route.  The EV specific joint puller would have made the job easier but I managed with just the loaner C clamp style press from the local auto parts store.  Use lots of PB Blaster to remove and lots of hand soap to install.  The lower joint bolts are 'Must Replace' items that don't come with the ball joints.  I re-used mine until the local VW dealer got some in stock.   You will need a 14mm triple square bit to remove them.  A 3/8" socket (bare) will work in a pinch but you will probably end up stripping them a bit.

I used the harbor freight ball joint separator with some grinding of the opening as well.  http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html

Their long handle wrench set came in handy too.  http://www.harborfreight.com/11-piece-metric-highly-polished-long-handle-combination-wrench-set-47067.html 

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Offline VAG_Tech

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Re: Rialta Ball Joint Replacement. How to?
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2015, 05:54:25 pm »
Thanks for all the replies! I managed to do my ball joints one night after work with the help of a friend. Used a ball joint press I borrowed from Auto Value. I installed OEM joints. It was a fair job but easier than I expected.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154437918905110.1073741860.577925109&type=1&l=cfbf320a5a
« Last Edit: January 17, 2016, 10:46:33 pm by VAG_Tech »
If I'm not camping, I'm not happy.
2003 Rialta (Louis)
1973 VW Campmobile (Freedom)