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Post by jeff on May 23, 2020 13:09:14 GMT
HI FOLKS, While I was replacing diff seals on my MK1, I had cause to crack off the bottom ball joint and noticed a bit of up and down movement when I'd locked it back up. I want to replace or de shim that joint. I'm sure I've read on here somewhere that the lower ball joint can be replaced without having to remove the complete hub which I dont really want to do unless I have to.
I've got the proper 1-3/4 open spanner which is a perfect fit on a new joint.
So can it be done? If so, how? I'm guessing the dome has to undone before splitting the joint. Any ideas most welcome.
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Post by Penguin45 on May 23, 2020 17:39:49 GMT
There's a "How To" HERE, which illustrates the actual process. I did it off the car due to the sheer amount of BFI involved. I ain't as strong as I used to be.... C. |
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Post by jeff on May 23, 2020 18:06:24 GMT
Thanks Penguin 45 for the swift reply that's a great help.
How weird is this. Just before I saw your reply I happened to find an article from The Austrailan arm of Lancrab owners club dated January 1990! It explains at some length how to do top and bottom ball joints on Mini, 1100, allegro, metro princess 1800/2200. It goes on to say on the 1800/2200 and princess, they can be replaced without removing brake and hub assemblies. The How to pics are very good ironically the big spanner used is the same type as I picked up from ebay. It arrived today. It's a Moprod brand with hefty impact points, made specifically for the job. I was lucky, it looks unused.
Whether I can undo it in situ is another matter of course. Last time I did one was 23 years ago. I was rebuilding the hubs and even in a Blacksmiths vice, gas flame, 24 inch Stilsons and a scaff bar it took all my strength to crack it from the hub. I know they can be very tight. My only hope is that it might give up without too much of a fight as the cars comprehensive history shows it's been done a couple of times in the past..just dont pull the car off the stands and jack.
Here's hoping......
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Post by tonymark3 on May 23, 2020 18:12:52 GMT
I put copper grease on mine when refitting. Mind you I also undo them with an impact driver.
Tony S
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Post by jeff on May 23, 2020 20:56:04 GMT
Tony, that's a good idea..I've got plenty to go round.
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Post by jeff on May 23, 2020 21:20:50 GMT
Just made myself laugh. I picked up the official BL.manual. section H6 Ball joints. It says simply this.
1 Detatch the appropriate upper or lower support arm from the swivel hub.
2 knock back the lock washer tab, unscrew the housing to remove the ball joint assembly.
What could possibly go wrong?
Ahem!...
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Post by dave1800 on May 24, 2020 10:54:39 GMT
Hi Jeff, yes you are correct there is no need to remove the hub. I always used to split the joint first then unscrew the dome. I recall one top ball joint that refused to budge despite trying all the tricks with a lump hammer. I went inside the house to recover my strength and make myself a coffee and heard a loud bang and found that it had finally decided to separate all by itself.
David
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