Ball Joint And Axle Bearing, Checking

-- 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: Axle bearing Jetta from MY 05, Golf Wagon from MY 07, Golf Wagon from MY 10

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Fig 3: 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.