All Things Mk5 > How to Guides / Troubleshooting

Working on Wishbones - undo drive shaft nut?

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svvg:
Hi All - my car has 118,000 miles and looks pretty original, and the front end has a slight knock. I’m going to replace the ball joints and both bushes plus the drop links - and while I’m in there I might also do the track rods to tighten everything up. When researching various guides it seems you need to undo the drive shaft hub nut to get the wishbone out - is this really necessary??? I’ve done this sort of work on various bmws, older gtis and pugs - but not had to remove/loosen the hub nut though. I suppose all will become clear as I start to disassemble - but wondered whether anyone can shed any light on this in advance?

Many thanks!

LC5F:
Haynes lists 2 methods - first is with driveshaft still in situ, second is drive shaft out - It doesn't give a reason or preference.

I would say it depends how compliant the ball joint to bearing carrier nut is coming off - if you need it drive shaft out gives you more space to work in + it certainly makes it easier to get the correct torque

svvg:
Yeah - I’ll see how I go. Thanks!

muff1991:
to remove the ball joint.. chances are you'll need the drive shaft out the way. As LC5F said, youll have more room and i reckon you'll probably need it. Older ball joints dont often behave very well.

svvg:
Thanks for this - as mentioned I’ve rebuilt suspension on a variety of (often crusty!) BMWs and older golfs and pugs - so should be fine - but it’s always extremely helpful to get as much info and advice before starting a new task on a car I’ve not worked on too much - so much appreciated.  :happy2:

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