Go to: http://volksweb.relitech.com/uballjnt.htm for an excellent write-up
on how to do this task.

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Westfalia Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jutta & Christian Knust" <knust-net@GMX.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2001 1:24 AM
Subject: How to remove upper ball joint???

> Hi guys,
>
> having sucessfully replaced the power steering r&p, I know need to replace
> the upper ball joints (front) of my 2 wheel drive 87 Westy. However,
there's
> one thing I am not sure about: Do I need a spring compressor to do this?
What
> happens if I just remove the bolts of the upper ball joint with all other
> front wheel suspension (upper control arm, tie rods, stabilizer bar etc.)
fully
> assembled? Looks to me that the springs will expand abruptely (and leaving
me
> with fully extended springs...), sending the whole lower control arm
> downwards, crushing my new tie rod ends. Right or wrong?  Will I instead
have to
> dissassemble first the whole upper control arm??? I'm happy to have you,
folks,
> as I sometimes just do not dare guessing :-)
> Thanks
> Chris
>
> --
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