Project 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle - Super Project '71: Part Four

The ball joint attaches to the bottom of the strut tower via the three original bolts. It is supported by the control arms and moved with the tie rods.

The three original 14mm bolts also sandwich the steering knuckle between the ball joint and the tower. At this time it is a good idea to install the whole unit together. It makes it easier in the long run.

Let the unit hang from the three upper mounting bolts for now. Torque the 15mm bolts to 14ft.-lbs.

For the control arms, these are the eccentric adjusting bolts and washers. Note the washers' holes are slightly off-center to allow for the adjustment of the camber. Turning the bolt one direction or another pushes the control arm out or pulls it in depending on the desired angle of the wheel.

When you buy new bushings for the control arm and the stabilizer bar, it comes with lubrication. Apply it to the inside of the mounting point and the circumference of the urethane bushing.

Tap in the bushings using a block of wood and a hammer, but if you've got a press, use that instead.

Torque the castellated nut to 22ft.-lbs. of pressure and install a new cotter pin. Once everything is attached, you'll have to adjust the camber and then retorque this nut to 29ft.-lbs.

On the other end, thread the ball joint through the control arm and tighten the nut to 29ft.-lbs. Make sure the ball joint bolt and nut are free of any debris or grease.

The eccentric bolts should be at opposite positions on either side of the frame head to insure matching camber on both wheels. Have it professionally adjusted if you are unsure.

Before installing the sway bar, liberally grease the mounting point on the lower end of the control arm with the supplied grease.

Press the urethane bushing onto both sides of the sway bar. Cover the bushing with grease.

Sandwich the control arm with other half of the bushing, the two washers and the nut. Torque it to 22ft.-lbs. of pressure and replace the cotter pins.