24 replies to this topic

[DUF2]

Hi
My Elf has been fitted with 8.4 vented discs & calipers. I need to replace a worn ball joint, I have bought a replacement ball joint kit but find it is smaller than the ball joint (which I am struggling to remove)
Would I be correct in presuming the car may have Metro hubs?
Would I also be correct in presuming the Metro ball joints are bigger?

[nicklouse]

Metro ball joints are totally different to Mini ones.

 

metro uprights are not really suitable for use on a Mini. (there are some aftermarket hubs that are suitable that use Metro ball joints)

note only MK1 Metro ball joints fit the Mini arms, the later ones had a different taper.

[Rorf]

DUF how about a picture of your swivels - might help us to help you

[Bat]

Hi,

The metro balljoints are a one piece disposable item unlike the mini ones you can strip down and shim.

It should be easy to tell which by looking at the rubber boot.

Cheers 

Edited by Bat, 20 June 2018 - 03:21 PM.

[DUF2]

As requested a couple of pics of the swivels.
They are also 'kin tight!! I don't have a socket or ring spanner to fit. I tried the pikey manner of a pair if 18"stilsons, still no joy! Nowt daft like left hand threads?

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[nicklouse]

you need the right size socket. and there is even less space on the bottom one.

 

yes they are Metro hubs.

[grizzler73]

Looks like metro ones to me.

 

Mini one:

 

http://minispares.co...px|Back to shop

Metro

 

http://i.ebayimg.com...0-1/s-l1000.jpg

[grizzler73]

You will probably have to get a cold chisel on it to shift it. they are normally seized on!

[Rorf]

Great pics. Looking at the lower control arm rubbers in the background looks like you have a few more things to replace.

 

Would make your life far easier to clean up a bit on the grease and oil and remove the whole hub and do the work on a bench with a decent vice.

 

Regreasing of wheel bearings and replacing CV gaitors would be advisable too.

[Spider]

I'll just add a Caution Note here regarding Ball Joints for these hubs when fitted to a Mini.

 

I've found that not all Metro type Ball Joints have enough swivel angle to suit a Mini, they need to have at least 55⁰ of movement or they can break.

 

I know Delphi ones are OK however, in this regards, the QH ones do not.

[DUF2]

Rorf, you are correct about the lower arm rubber. I have just started on the nearside of the car, I knew the ball joint needed replacing it was an advisory on the car's last MOT.
As the car is sitting very low, I'm changing the rubber springs & fitting HiLos. I will be replacing any perished rubber joints whilst I am working on it.
I did think the ball joints would be a doddle to do............

[Dusky]

Hi,
The metro balljoints are a one piece disposable item unlike the mini ones you can strip down and shim.
It should be easy to tell which by looking at the rubber boot.
Cheers

Mini balljoint should NEVER be shimmed after theyre used.

[greenwheels]

Get rid of those Metro hubs. One of my Minis had Metro hubs when I bought it - talk about understeer!!!!! dreadful and most unMini like. My first job was to replace them - relief.

[DUF2]

So it looks like I have Metro hubs.
I'm looking for the correct joints, I have seen them 1980-1984, 1984-2002. Anyone know what the difference is?
I beleive the suspension was changed in 1990 as bottom ball joints from that date have a three bolt fitting.
My car appears to have identical joints top & bottom, but am not sure what the difference is between a pre & post '84 ball joint.
Any advice on how to check this would be most appreciated.

[nicklouse]

see first reply. you need MK1 ones as the later ones have the incorrect taper.