Ball Joints, Axle Bearings, Coupling Rods And Stabilizer Bar Rubber Bushings, Checking For Damage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Check ball joint boots -arrow- for leaks and damage.

Fig 1: Identifying Ball Joint Boots

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-- Check the axle bearing -arrow- for the following damage:

Fig 2: Identifying Axle bearing Jetta from MY 11

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Large cracks, tears or cuts in the rubber piece.
Complete tear of the connection between rubber molded part and metal.
Large amount of play between the bearing and the axle components, which can significantly influence the bearing negatively.

NOTE: Rips and tears that are only on the surface such as small detachments between the rubber molded part and metal do not influence the function of the elastokinematic bearing and are not cause for complaint.

-- Check the ball joint boots on the coupling rod -arrows- for damage.

Fig 3: Identifying Coupling Rod

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-- Check the stabilizer bar bearing -arrow- for damage.

Fig 4: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Bearing

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