I am replacing my factory USA M030 setup with a new HD/ROW M033 setup.

Both front ball joints appear to be good - boots aren't torn and they move freely and smoothly. No measureable play.

I know the majority of ppl will say "just change em", but I thought I'd ask if there is any proper inspection criteria.

Edit: Also, the same applies to the upper strut mounts, tie rods, and sway bar links. Everything seems to be fine. From everybody's experience, any items that HAVE TO be replaced?

Thanks,

 

Adam,
You didn't mention the mileage on the vehicle...Before you think about ball joints, maybe new Walrod bushings, while you're in there?

 

If the boots are good, and they are tight with very little play, then leave them. I have done lots of shock/spring replacements, and do not wholesale replace all the ball joints etc., I will usually inspect the car first and work out what is needed. The most common one for me is the upper rubber boot on the front sway bar tie link on the C4's and Turbos - not sure why, but that curved link seems to have issues with the top boot.

Same goes for all the plastic clips, retaining clip for the brake line, bolts - they are all reusable.

I would replace the A-arm bushings with Walrods if I can see cracks or they show a lot of movement - use a pry bar/very large screwdriver to see what the side-to-side movement is like there.

I do not replace stuff that is not worn out or shows damage - that is just wasting stuff and money.

Cheers,

Mike

 

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention that I am also doing the control arm bushings and ss brake lines. Vehicle has 107k km's.

I will carefully inspect all items before re-installing.

 

+ 1 STABILISER MOUNTINGS - Mine now neeed Replacement as Rubber Boot is Gone.

 

If the drop link joint isn't damaged you might be able to clean it up, repack and put new boots on it, these guys might have one that fits:
Sealsit.com

No affiliation but I wish I knew about them before I replaced my C4 drop links due to a torn boot

Cheer/bc

 

If the boots are good and of OE style with the spring tye-on the tie rod ends have probably been replaced at least once as the originals would have rotted boots. Mine had no play but rotten boots so I just replaced the boots. To me replacing them when they have no play and the car accepts an alignment is something like going to the WV dealership for a timing belt change and the service adviser says "while were in there we like to change the water pump". It is interesting that there is no technical bulletin from VW recommending this but it definitely is profitable work for the dealer if he can get sell it!

 

Did you mean tie rod ends? Or drop links AKA stabilizer mounting? My tie rod ball joint boots are still ok, nothing in PO records about replacing with new tie rod ends.

However, boots were shot on the front and rear drop links, a couple of the cv joints, and both toe arms. All other boots are good and ball joints are tight. Funny how some of these items wear out much faster than others...

 

Adam.

How did you check the movement and play? Did you make the decision to change them anyway?

Thanks!