This Quote is from "DIY: Drive Axle Flange Seal Replacement"
jets wrote:I have just read this write up--excellent. I did the same job around 4 years ago on a '90 Golf GTI. One thing I noticed in the Bentley at the time
"CAUTION
The slotted control arm ball joint mounting holes should never be used to adjust camber. Ball joint location is factory set to match drive axle length. Moving the ball joint may cause premature CV joint wear."
When I had the alignment checked I asked the mechanic to adjust so that there was no preload on the joint & infact a slight clearance. Fortunately after this setting the camber was correct.
Ok, so they tell you not to play with this as it set to the length of the CV Axel. I looked in the book and the net with no information about this, so how do I figure out the ball joint adjustment to set it correctly. Since replacing the ball joint will cause your alignment to be out if you didn't put it back in the exact spot. Should I move it a bit to wear the CV Axel evenly?
'94 City Jetta - 4 Dr - 2.0 Gasser
'97 Jetta - 4 Dr - 1.9 TD
1.6L N/A Diesel Engine with a ACH Tranny
Sold for 200 '92 Jetta (WolfsBurg) - 4Dr - 1.6 Diesel TD 1.9L - Alive
Replace the ball joint. It won't be exactly how the old one was, as there's a little movement with the holes in the joint and arm. You adjust caster and camber by the two oval washers on the strut to wheel bearing assembly bracket.
Everybody else lists their cars here - but not me.
spray paint the old lower A arm and joint assembly... (top and bottom)
undo the pinch bolt on the steering knuckle...and lower the lower A arm
remove the 3 bolts and nut holder assembly
pound out the old joint
push the new one in and align the new nut plate with the painted area.
tighten the 3 bolts
you should be very close to the original position.
if you have already replaced the ball joint without marking the old position, just put it in the middle of the elongated holes in the lower control arm.
then get it to an alignment shop.