[Vwdiesel] What exactly holds the A2 front wheel hub in place? Just the b...

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/1/2009 7:19:01 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
dieselwesty at yahoo.com writes:

> 
> So, the only thing I see holding the front wheel to the car is these 3 
> small bolts that hold the lower ball joint in place.  They torque to only 18 
> ft-lbs to the triangular plate that sits on top of the control arm.
> 
> That just does not seem like enough for the forces that are put on the 
> front wheels????????????? 
> 

  Well, that IS a clamp of sorts.  The ball joint piece is sandwiched 
between the two stamped halves of the lower control arm so friction 
gets kinda "multiplied" there.  
  If you don't like 3 bolts holding stuff, there's only three that hold 
the control arm on, there's only ONE that holds the steering 
knuckle to the ball joint.  :-)
  The strut's fastened pretty firmly to the steering knuckle as I recall.
Your pivots are the inner control arm bushings, ball joint and the 
top of the strut. 
  Don't forget the tie rod end is there too!  :-D
     Loren