Swivel joints??

[Guest]

OK I know what ball joints are. Are these the same thing.

Just had some new tyres put on the front and noticed that there was a bit of give/movement in the bottom of the left wheel.

ie if you jacked it up and pulled the bottom of the wheel there was some movement.

Should i be scared crappless or is it a symptom of worn swivel joints.

PS Are the pricey to buy ??

Thanks

 

[937carrera]

If the movement is at the bottom only then I would say it's a ball joint. (swivel might be American).

They are not expensive and are easy to fit - and you don't really want to be driving the car, if you can feel the movement then either the nuts have fallen off, the bolts have broken or the joint itself has failed and only the clamping bolt is stopping that wheel breaking free.

Silly question, you are sure the wheel bolt was tight when you checked aren't you ?

 

[Guest]

The 5 bolts (924s) holding the wheel on are secure and i had a look around with the wheel off to check the strut was attached securely so its the ball joint (every one else is calling them swivel joints... shrug). You can't feel anything with the wheel off it you tug it only with the wheel on.

I'll get it looked at asap. Glad I cancelled that trip to my mums in suffolk........

Thanks for the reply.

 

[937carrera]

Part number 171 407 365 G, ball joint 17mm, at least according to Porsche []

Replacing consists of removal of wheel, the clamping bolt then the 3 bolts that bolt the ball joint onto the A frame.

The ball joint should be about £10-15...... and if I recall correctly should also be available from VW dealers as it is as fitted to the later Beetles, and similar age Golf, Jetta etc.