Replacement of ball joint ends

[reckelman]

I'm about to replace the ball joints on my 04 Cayenne Turbo. The Question is if its necessary to do a front end alignment after the ball joint end replacement?

[wvicary]

Yes

[mudman2]

buy the whole arm with the new joints in, easier

[bigbuzuki]

^+1

You will probably find that your control arm bushings are worn as well.

Edited April 22, 2013 by bigbuzuki

[Ignited]

My control arm bushings were gone as well on my 04 and definitely easier to do as a full lower control arm job. Think about replacing the end links on the sway bar while you are at it. I got everything I needed to do the job myself from Pelican Parts. I have pics from the swap if you need encouragement!

Tim in Ft Worth

[jagman1]

Are ball joints even available separately?

[bigbuzuki]

Are ball joints even available separately?

Yes they are.

[wvicary]

Are ball joints even available separately?

Yes they are.

I don't think you can purchase the ball joint separately as it's part of the control arm.

[bigbuzuki]

Wvicary is correct.

I was thinking of the tie rod end ball joints which are line replaceable units.

Edited April 28, 2013 by bigbuzuki

[reckelman]

I found the OEM outer tie rod ends ($60 each) for my CTT without any problems online. However, I wanted to get the correct ball joint puller listed in the Porsche repair manual because of the large ball joint size and standard off the shelve puller just don't fit. Porsche tool number T10187 made by Kukku can be found at Porsche specialty tool sites online for $230 . I was able to located the same tool number being used by VW and I purchased the ball joint puller from Snapon/ VW Tool and Equipment Program at less than half price. It pretty easy remove and replace tie rod ends, its just a matter of counting how many thread turns to remove the tie rod end and reversing the process to attach the new part.

Thanks for all the advice

Rick