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Front suspension ball joints......


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#1 David_J

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Posted 26 January 2004 - 10:57 AM

For my first query in this forum...

Can anybody advise me on the technical issues surrounding the adjustment of the lower ball joint on the front suspension of a 1968 era mini?

I can see that it is loose and my manual says it can be adjusted (with a big spanner - any idea offhand what size?) but what is the general thinking on replacement or tightening and special tools etc.


Thanks in advance for any help!!

David

#2 Pickup

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Posted 26 January 2004 - 06:54 PM

David,

I've got some notes on this somewhere, but from memory I think that they can be adjusted but you need to shim them to get a specific end float when the nut is torqued up.

Think the nut might be 11/16th or 17mm but would have to check that too.

I've seen maintenance kits on eBay and I think DSN Classics http://www.dsnclassics.co.uk/ can supply them - thoroughly recommended as a VERY helpful supplier of Mini bits & bobs.

Let me know if you'd like me to check my notes.

Cheers

Fraser

#3 Bluemini

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Posted 26 January 2004 - 09:02 PM

You need a 36mm deep (i think) socket, the same size as the pre-verto flywheel nut if that helps...

They are easier to adjust with the hub off the car, but can be done on the car. All you need to do is undo the domed nut that holds the ball joint togather and take out a shim or however many it needs. You want it to just bind when you move it about with out any grease in it, when your happy with it, grease it up and put it all back together.

They can take a while, trial and error till you get it right, but worth spending the time doing it because it makes a big difference...

Heres a pic of my pickup before I owned it at Castle Combe, the ball joint failed on a bend...

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#4 David_J

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Posted 27 January 2004 - 10:09 AM

Thanks guys,

Just what I needed. I'm more used to triumph front suspension with all its horrors of boken vertical links and worn trunnions so an ADJUSTABLE ball joint is a refreshing change! Though it'l probably go on the list for replacement at some point as a possible 36 years of use might have taken its toll.

Bluemini, I had a lower front suspension joint fail on my scimitar (its got triumph TR6 front suspension) which left it in the same position as your pickup, except that I was on a roundabout of a dual carriageway and had to grind onwards til I came to a handy bus stop.

Its an effin big socket to acquire as well :) but I'll manage.


Cheers.


David

#5 Bluemini

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Posted 27 January 2004 - 06:07 PM

Jus a thought, if they are as old as you say they are and your gonna take it apart and tighten it up, you might as well replace them, they are about £8 per hub from most motor factors...




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