Working on Wishbones - undo drive shaft nut?

[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. 

[muff1991]

I often look at how other people have done job and read peoples how to's because its nice to hear what kind of better ideas you may find, what special tools may be needed.

It certainly makes sense to always ask if you're unsure, it makes it easier for when you get round to it. Although, on the other hand.. sometimes things can seem or sound complicated and yet once you've dug in and done the job its often not as bad as it first appeared.
 
good luck sorting it mate 

[rich83]

This is something I have been wondering about too. I need to replace my ball joint. I think I am gonna try and do it without removing the drive shaft nut.... struggle for an hour and then undo it. 

[OEM+ DUB]

Hi there

The reason the factory manuals suggest removal of the driveshaft from the hub is that there is no clearance to get a tool (spline bit from memory) into the end of the ball joint to stop it rotating whilst you undo or do up the nut.  The driveshaft might also prevent you from getting the nut off or for splitting the joint with a splitting tool if needed (definitely needed if you have converted your hubs to alloy versions).

If on removal or installation the threaded rod starts to rotate on its ball when turning the nut, then you will have no choice but to remove the driveshaft (although you may be able to cut the old one off with a metal cutting disc in an angle grinder if there is clearance).

Personally, I’d just remove the driveshaft as it makes the job a lot easier and you know you will be able to complete the job without getting stuck.

Hope this helps.

[svvg]

Thanks - that makes sense. Looks like a tight fit for a ball joint splitter. With ball joints and drop links etc, if there’s no clearance to let the car rest on its wheels then I sometimes jack the hub to take the weight of the car if the nut spins. NOT the wishbones - as they’ll obviously bend... and only enough to start taking the weight of the car and stop the nut spinning in case it slips.

Just about finished cobbling another car back together after some tlc, so will have a look at the Mkv this afternoon I think! Thanks for replies.