Offside Driveshaft removal. Lower Balljoint replacement.

[MowatGTI]

Yo.

Right, failed my mot on friday for the offside lower balljoint.

I've bought a new one, and went out to fit it this morning.

According to Haynes, I need to remove the inner driveshaft bolts and then pull the hub out.

This is to get access to the ball joint which is sandwiched between the lower arm.

The bolts have really bad access, and I dont think I'll be able to get to them.

Does anyone know a better way to get access to it?

Cheers

[MowatGTI]

Could I remove it by taking the whole lower arm off?

If so, how easy is it?
Cheers

[VR6-Joe]

To remove the driveshaft all you need is a spline socket and a long extension bar/loads of extension bars joined together.

Luckily my dad has a tool like this, which avoids the need for an extension bar as it reaches from the wheel arch to the bolts



I found it easiest to move the driveshaft around and undo each bolt as you go along...

I've changed about 6 driveshafts using this method and never had any problems

[MowatGTI]

Thank You!

I will call the tool store in the morning.

Does anyone know any other ways to get the old ball joint out?

There surely must be someone that has replaced them in the past.

Just wondering if the driveshaft route is the only option.

[AudiA8Quattro]

You should be able to remove the balljoint without touching the driveshaft.

[leegt5]

You should be able to remove the balljoint without touching the driveshaft.

+ 1 never had to remove a driveshaft to renew balljoint !!

[MowatGTI]

Cool.

I've been at work untill now, but my flatmate told me he has managed to get the old balljoint out without touching the driveshaft.

I'll need to wait untill tomorrow afternoon when he can tell me how.

The Haynes manual does say to disconnect it tho.

I'll know for next time.

Next tricky thing is trying to hold the new balljoint female allen socket still while tightening it down.

I know access isn't the best so I've ground down an allen key at work tonight for the job.

That's first on my list of things to do.  Then its rebuild the O/S rear caliper + change both rear shocks.