Front ball joint bolts

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monkeywrench
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Joined: 21st February 2018 - 1:44am

Front ball joint bolts

Post by monkeywrench » 6th March 2018 - 10:47am

Hi, should the lower ball pinch bolt be a shoulder bolt. 10mm body and 8mm thread.

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broady_6
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Re: Front ball joint bolts

Post by broady_6 » 7th March 2018 - 8:08am

I dont recall mine being a shoulder bolt, and it doesnt mention it in the parts book.

The bolt is 311 405 321 A
Lock washer N12 011 2
The sultan of swing

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monkeywrench
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Joined: 21st February 2018 - 1:44am

Re: Front ball joint bolts

Post by monkeywrench » 7th March 2018 - 2:51pm

Thanks,as one sheared and the other one had been drilled out for a M10 nut and bolt. Which doesn't look like it clamps the ball joint correctly. I could not tell.

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Editor
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Location: Pensford, Bristol
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Re: Front ball joint bolts

Post by Editor » 27th March 2018 - 1:35pm

I'm not sure the proper bolt is available, as it's a Type 3 part. Unfortunately unless the old bolt is removed with the torsion bar tension reduced by clamping the torsion arms closer together, the bolt thread is irreparably damaged, assuming the bolt doesn't actually shear. The shank of the bolt is longer than standard and you need a longer bolt and shorten the thread appropriately. I think they're grade 10 high tensile bolts.
World-wide, there's probably enough demand to get some made, but no profit to make it worthwhile!
Dave.

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937carrera
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Re: Front ball joint bolts

Post by 937carrera » 28th March 2018 - 8:16am

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds ... id=2077849

Perhaps no longer available but you can still contact them suppose.

M10x 40 bolt,looks like the shank is about 25mm. Try a specialist nut & bolt /fastening supplier,and as Editor says, you can always buy one with the right shank and longer threads and cut it down.

The same seller has the M8 version for the very early cars
David
1974 412LS Variant
1973 412LE 4 door Fastback / Saloon

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