5K lower ball joint replacement

[Konstantin Bogach]

Unfortunately, ball joint is a part of front control arm and can't be replaced
separately. Sway bar can be easily removed without ruining bushing as follows
(I assume the job is done on ground, not on a lift):
- place front on jacks and remove wheels
- remove brackets from 2 front bushings
- remove nuts which secure sway bar in control arms
- place another  jack on each side  under hub or control arm or strut bottom
and lift it to load spring. Do it until you see and feel that sway bar is
moving free inside control arms. In my case it just fell out.

Bentley says: install and remove sway bar with car on wheels. I don't know how
they do it with wheels on but procedure above lets achive the same.

For parts check parts suppliers list in www.audifans.com.

Good luck,
Konstantin Bogach.

Paul Hill wrote:

> I need to replace the left front lower ball joint on my 1986 5000 CSTQ.
> Are there any special tricks (or tools) involved in getting the old one out
> or the new one in?
> I'm concerned about getting the sway bar off without ruining the rubber
> bushings.
> Also, where is a good source for this part and what is the going price?
>
> Thanks,
>         Paul