MOT failure on Offside front lower ball joint, excessive play.
Got new ball joint, took wheel off. Old one is Rivited in place.
Whats best way to remove it? Take whole arm off, then put in a vice and axel grind it off?
Is there any tricks for this job? - I was planning to do both sides at the same time, but this has me a little bit stumped, at least in fading light last night it did!
Lower Ball Joints
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Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
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Charless
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Re: Lower Ball Joints
I think the rivets drill out 'easily' enough. Faced with the second one not likely outlasting the first by much and wishbones rusting from the inside outwards, I have replaced both the wishbones with new ones which come with the bottom balljoint fitted.
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BodgeItAndScarper
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talkingcars
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Re: Lower Ball Joints
Hi Sam
They come from the factory with rivets but replacements should have bolts, you should be able to drill out the rivets in situ.
However, as said above, check the condition of the wishbone as they do rust out and become seriously weakened.
James
They come from the factory with rivets but replacements should have bolts, you should be able to drill out the rivets in situ.
However, as said above, check the condition of the wishbone as they do rust out and become seriously weakened.
James
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ZSx
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Re: Lower Ball Joints
So, looking at the wishbones they appear to be solid, but I think it may be better to replace them while under there.
To that end I have ordered new wishbones, drop links and ARBs (since they are being disconnected to do the job anyway).
Is there anything to be aware of when I drop the subframe? Is it worth replacing any bolts etc at that point?
I did look at drilling the rivets out but they are domes with no depression (as others have said there should be) and would need half the suspension dismantling anyway to get enough clearance to get a grinder/drill on top, or a car lift to get enough space under. - Plus I only want to do this job once, so replacing the wishbones seems the sensible option
To that end I have ordered new wishbones, drop links and ARBs (since they are being disconnected to do the job anyway).
Is there anything to be aware of when I drop the subframe? Is it worth replacing any bolts etc at that point?
I did look at drilling the rivets out but they are domes with no depression (as others have said there should be) and would need half the suspension dismantling anyway to get enough clearance to get a grinder/drill on top, or a car lift to get enough space under. - Plus I only want to do this job once, so replacing the wishbones seems the sensible option
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talkingcars
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Re: Lower Ball Joints
Use lots of penetrating oil on the subframe bolts.
Most people drop one side, complete the work on that side and then do the other side.
(you need to drop the subframe a couple of inches to access the rear wishbone bolt)
Most people drop one side, complete the work on that side and then do the other side.
(you need to drop the subframe a couple of inches to access the rear wishbone bolt)
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Rob Bell
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Re: Lower Ball Joints
The MGF lower wishbone rots from the inside out. They look fine until the hole eventually appears. They're not too expensive, and if you're keeping the car for a while, it makes more sense to replace both wishbone/lower ball joint as a new replacement unit.
I think Delphi was the original supplier - and would be the ones I'd choose to replace the damaged originals.
I think Delphi was the original supplier - and would be the ones I'd choose to replace the damaged originals.