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Replacing UCA DIY??????

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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:09 PM
  #1  
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Default Replacing UCA DIY??????

Ive been searching for a DIY to replace my UCA. It seems simple but that is starting to never be the case. How involved is this process? Easy hard? Tips and suggestions will be great.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:29 PM
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best tip is to unbolt the ABS sensor from the hub and strut first, so there's no chance of stretching it and damaging the cable core. otherwise it's a really straightforward job.....

Last edited by BCHDAZ; Nov 29, 2012 at 12:29 PM. Reason: gramma
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:29 PM
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Very simple and easy to do. The hardest part is getting the upper bolts realigned as the new UCA bushings don't have a memory yet.

Remove wheel
Loosen Upper Ball Joint
Remove UCA bolts

To get the upper bolts out, I had to put a floor jack under the LCA and lift it a little.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by BCHDAZ
best tip is to unbolt the ABS sensor from the hub and strut first, so there's no chance of stretching it and damaging the cable core. otherwise it's a really straightforward job.....
Sick...From what I see/think....Take out the two side bolts and then use a puller to remote the ball joint and then its out

Originally Posted by VWTim
Very simple and easy to do. The hardest part is getting the upper bolts realigned as the new UCA bushings don't have a memory yet.

Remove wheel
Loosen Upper Ball Joint
Remove UCA bolts

To get the upper bolts out, I had to put a floor jack under the LCA and lift it a little.

Word up!

Last edited by NEbiker10; Nov 29, 2012 at 12:35 PM.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 12:37 PM
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yup, but just as stated, be careful of the ABS sensor though... the extra 10 min you will take to remove it, will save you week's of pain getting a new one and replacing it. (spoken from experience )
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by NEbiker10
Sick...From what I see/think....Take out the two side bolts and then use a puller to remote the ball joint and then its out




Word up!

Instead of a puller I use a BFH. Couple solid whacks and it pops apart.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 04:54 PM
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Agreed, BFH is the tool of choice rather than a puller. Sometimes the puller does more damage than helping, but that's just me.
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Old Nov 29, 2012 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by speedaddic
Agreed, BFH is the tool of choice rather than a puller. Sometimes the puller does more damage than helping, but that's just me.
Agreed. You can Rip the ball joint with a puller, but if you're not using that old ball joint again since you're replacing the whole UCA you might not care. I just did mine on thanksgiving, its a simple diy. I did my whole front end @ the same time, the UCA was the EASIEST part of the front suspension to change by far.
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