Volkswagen Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing and installing swivel joint

Special tools and workshop equipment required

t	Ball joint puller -3287A-

t	Torque wrench -V.A.G 1332-

t	Engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A-

t	Angle wrench -V.A.G 1756-

t  Socket (36 mm) -T10125- Removing swivel joint –  Lift vehicle far enough to take weight off front axle. –  Undo 12-point drive shaft nut using 36 mm socket -T10125-.   Caution When bolt is loosened or tightened, vehicle must not be standing on its wheels. The wheel bearing can be damaged by the weight of the vehicle if the bolt is loosened. If a vehicle must be moved with the drive shaft removed, an outer joint must be fitted and tightened to 50 Nm. –  Remove wheel.

–  Remove nuts -arrows-. –  Pull drive shaft slightly out of wheel hub. Pull out completely if necessary. –  Pull swivel joint out of suspension link. –  Loosen nut for swivel joint.   Note Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect thread on swivel joint.

–  Apply ball joint splitter -3287 A- as shown in figure and press out swivel joint.   Note Place engine and gearbox jack -V.A.G 1383 A- or similar underneath (danger of accident through falling parts when pressing out the swivel joint). Installing –  Fit swivel joint in wheel bearing housing. –  Screw on new self-locking nut and counterhold at swivel joint with -T40- Torx key. –  Fit drive shaft in wheel hub.

Make sure that deflector ring -1- is clipped completely onto outer joint.   Note Deflector ring -1- must align with contact surface of outer joint -arrow-.

–  Tighten nuts -arrows-.   Note Ensure that bellows are not damaged or twisted. –  Install wheel and tighten bolts or nuts → Chapter. –  Tighten 12-point nut using 36 mm socket -T10125-.

Specified torques

Component	Specified torque
Swivel joint to wheel bearing housing t  Use new nuts.	20 Nm + 90°
Swivel joint to suspension link t  Use new bolts.	100 Nm
12-point nut on drive shaft t  Use new nuts.	50 Nm + 45°