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

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Ball Joint Boots

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Axle bearing Jetta from MY '11

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

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 concern.

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

Fig 3: Identifying Coupling Rod

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Bearing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.