Ball Joint 1K0-407-366-C
If a ball joint is worn or damaged, it can lead to excessive tire wear, poor handling, and even steering instability. Signs of a failing ball joint include unusual noises, such as clunking or popping, and uneven tire tread patterns. Regular inspection and timely replacement are essential for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and safety.
An OEM part with the number 1K0-407-366-C is the ideal choice for replacement, ensuring high-quality materials and precise engineering. This part is crafted to fit seamlessly with the original components, reducing the chances of premature failure associated with generic alternatives.
Available in Stores
| Seller | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Leith Volkswagen
Official Dealer
|
$123 |
| Seller | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Volkswagen
New
|
$100 $71 | |
|
https://avtohype.com.ua/
New
|
$5 | |
|
Alexandria Volkswagen
New
|
$93 |
| Seller | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
AutoJapan
Used
|
$11 | |
|
автозапчастини
Used
|
$3 | |
|
Infoparts13.com.ua
Used
|
$72 |
| Seller | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Volkswagen of Downtown L.A.
New
|
$93 $72 |
Vehicle Fitment
Vehicles confirmed compatible with this part
Technical Specifications
| OEM Part Number | 1K0407366C |
|---|---|
| Position | Front, Lower, Right |
| Assembly Method | Bolted |
| Length | 82.2 mm |
| Thread Size | M12 x 1.5 |
| Cone Size | 19 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 1.35 lbs (0.61 kg) |
| Material | High-strength steel |
| Ball Joint to Control Arm Torque | 70 Nm (51.6 ft-lbs) |
| Ball Joint Stud Nut Torque | 60 Nm (44.3 ft-lbs) |
Built to Volkswagen Group OEM standards in high-strength steel, ensuring correct load capacity and fitment for front suspension integrity.
Fits a wide range of VW Group vehicles including Golf, GTI, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Beetle, Eos, Audi A3, and Q3 across multiple model years.
Bolted attachment to the control arm allows straightforward removal and installation without requiring a hydraulic press, reducing labor time.
Compatible Aftermarket Alternatives
The following aftermarket parts are confirmed direct equivalents for OEM 1K0-407-366-C, cross-referenced from major manufacturer catalogs.
| Manufacturer | Part Number | Notes | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemförder | 1K0407366C | OEM-tier German supplier; Lemförder is a preferred OEM supplier to Volkswagen Group and matches factory specifications precisely. Recommended | 82.2 mm length, M12 x 1.5 thread, 19 mm cone |
| Febi Bilstein | 1K0407366C | Well-regarded German aftermarket brand; matches OEM dimensions and material quality at a competitive price. | 82.2 mm length, M12 x 1.5 thread, 19 mm cone |
| Delphi | 1K0407366C | Reputable international OEM-quality supplier; suitable direct replacement with confirmed OEM cross-reference. | 82.2 mm length, M12 x 1.5 thread, 19 mm cone |
Always verify fitment against your VIN before ordering.
How to Replace the Ball Joint
Replacing the 1K0407366C front lower right ball joint requires basic hand tools, a ball joint separator, torque wrench, and jack stands. The following steps provide a general procedural guide — always consult your vehicle-specific factory service manual for complete instructions and any model-year torque variations.
-
Prepare the Vehicle
Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the wheel lug bolts slightly before lifting. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and secure it on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
-
Remove the Wheel
Remove the lug bolts completely and pull the wheel off. Set it aside safely. This provides clear access to the front lower suspension components on the right side.
-
Disconnect the Ball Joint Stud from the Steering Knuckle
Remove the ball joint stud nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to press the tapered stud free from the steering knuckle bore. Avoid striking the stud directly to prevent damaging the new replacement joint.
-
Remove the Ball Joint from the Control Arm
Remove the bolts securing the ball joint to the lower control arm. Note the bolt orientation before removal. Extract the old ball joint from the control arm mounting pocket.
-
Install the New Ball Joint
Position the new 1K0407366C ball joint onto the lower control arm. Insert the mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Torque the ball joint-to-control-arm bolts to 70 Nm (51.6 ft-lbs) using a calibrated torque wrench.
-
Reconnect the Ball Joint Stud to the Steering Knuckle
Insert the ball joint tapered stud into the steering knuckle bore. Install the stud nut and torque to 60 Nm (44.3 ft-lbs). Verify the stud is fully seated in the taper before applying final torque.
-
Reinstall the Wheel and Lower the Vehicle
Mount the wheel, hand-tighten the lug bolts, then lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug bolts to the vehicle manufacturer's specified value in a star pattern.
-
Perform a Wheel Alignment
Schedule a four-wheel alignment immediately after ball joint replacement. Suspension geometry will have shifted, and driving without alignment correction causes rapid uneven tire wear and impaired handling.
Signs of a Worn Part
-
Clunking or Knocking Noise
A worn ball joint produces clunking or knocking sounds from the front suspension, especially over bumps or during slow-speed turning maneuvers.
-
Steering Wheel Vibration
Excessive play in a failing ball joint can transmit vibration directly through the steering column, felt most noticeably at highway speeds.
-
Steering Wander or Pulling
A deteriorated ball joint allows unintended movement in the steering knuckle, causing the vehicle to pull to one side or feel imprecise during directional changes.
-
Uneven or Accelerated Tire Wear
Ball joint wear alters wheel camber and toe angles dynamically, leading to abnormal tire wear patterns, typically on the inner or outer tread edges.
-
Loose or Vague Steering Feel
As the ball joint socket wears, increased play develops between the control arm and steering knuckle, resulting in a loose, imprecise steering response.
Replacement Intervals
Volkswagen does not specify a fixed mileage replacement interval for ball joints. Replace immediately upon detection of play, torn dust boots, corrosion, noise, or any other sign of wear regardless of mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1K0407366C the right-side or left-side ball joint?
1K0407366C is specifically the right-side (passenger side in left-hand-drive markets) front lower ball joint. Left and right ball joints are not interchangeable — verify your side before ordering.
What vehicles does 1K0407366C fit?
This ball joint fits a broad range of VW Group vehicles including the VW Golf, GTI, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Beetle, and Eos, as well as the Audi A3 (2006–2013) and Audi Q3 (2015–2018). Always confirm fitment using your specific year, model, and engine code before purchasing.
Is superseded part number 1K0407366E a direct replacement for 1K0407366C?
Yes. 1K0407366E is the superseding OEM part number, meaning it is the current production replacement and is directly interchangeable with 1K0407366C. Either number will yield the correct part.
Can I install this ball joint myself, or does it require a shop?
A mechanically experienced DIYer with proper tools — including a torque wrench, ball joint separator, and jack stands — can complete this job. However, a wheel alignment must be performed afterward at an alignment-equipped shop, making a full DIY approach impractical unless you have access to alignment equipment.
Should I replace both ball joints at the same time?
It is advisable to inspect the left side whenever replacing the right. If both joints have similar mileage and show comparable wear, replacing both simultaneously saves labor cost and ensures balanced suspension performance. However, it is not strictly required if the opposite side passes inspection.
Which aftermarket brand is the best replacement for this ball joint?
Lemförder is widely considered the best alternative because they are an actual OEM supplier to Volkswagen Group and their parts are built to identical factory specifications. Febi Bilstein is a strong second choice at a slightly lower price point.
Found an Error?
Help us improve! If you've spotted an error on the site or in the data, let us know and we'll fix it as soon as possible.