re. Notes on shock absorber replacement & CV boot replacement

["Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)" <BSWANN@arinc.com>]

Andrew,

Great Post - I'd thought of deviating from the "procedure" before, but now I
may actually try.  Actually my 5KCSQs dont need struts right now.  My 4KSQ
does.

Any one know if this or similar shortcut (without removing lower ball joint,
axles, etc) would work on 4000 Quattro?

Regarding.. planning to repar a torn CV boot later this evening.

I did use one deviation replacing the outer CV Boot.  Since the lowere ball
joint was being a PITA to remove, this is what I did:

Broke CV Nut using pipe over long breaker bar.

Jacked up car and removed Tire/Wheel then the Nut.

Tried to remove lower ball joint - was having difficult time.

So I removed inner CV bolts with appropriate 12 point tool and extenders
(found my hand swivel wrenches came in handy here).

Here's the tricky part - With wheels straight it is geometriccly impossible
to remove inner CV from tranny.  I was able to crank steering wheel hard
right (I'm removeing the left axle, so right axle youd have to turn wheel to
the left).  Then I used second apare jack(your regular tire jack should work
for this) and lifted the wheel assembly by jacking up on the rotor.  I got
this fairly high.

I was then able to lift inner CV up and back, then pull it out of the spined
hub, and remove it from the car.

Since this is not the first time I've had a H*** of a time getting off the
lower ball joint, I think this may com in handy for others. Hope it helps.


Ben Swann
'85 4ksq - still looking for buyer -  $1400
'86 5kcstq Sedan - Or maybe I should sell this? $2800?
'87 5kcstq Wagon