> I also noticed there is a 5x5x20 cm metal cubic installed in the middle of
> the control arm body just below the right axle shaft. I removed it so I
> could better reach the axle. I don't see its purpose. Does it serve as a
> balance weight or sth else? Does anyone know this?
>
> One important experience I gained is: don't try to remove the ball joint,
> remove the three mounting bolt on the control arm instead.
>
> Now I'm ready to drive my beloved 253,000 miles Jetta for another 20,000
> miles at my new job at Mercedes Benz starting next week.
>
> cheers,
> Ben
>
> "
The part you describe is a harmonic dampener of sorts. Folks remove them all the time, although it might pay to consider why it was there in the 1st place.
btw- i found out the hard way how easy it was to remove the three bolts you describe. On early (A1) cars i can slip the axle out with some aligning of the hub/wheel and such, not so on later cars though.
btw II- Redline makes some CV-2 grease, synthetic. I rebuilt the last two CVs on my car with it but haven't had it on the road much past a few thousand miles since to verify it's longevity.
TBerk