7 replies to this topic

[Pitcrew6464]

Hi all looking at buying full sets of ball joints but what is the best to go for?? minisport do a set £8.47 http://www.minisport...ts.html#aGSJ166 or a genuine set for £26 and mini spares do a kit of two for £7.50

are there any tech differences and or problems with these all opinions and experiances welcome

[bcjames]

Last time I looked at the genuines on Minispares, they were missing that flat section on the pin to let the grease get through. I've always used the cheaper version from Minispares, and more recently MRA, and have never found a problem with them after fitting them correctly.

[jaydee]

Nowadays 'genuine' balljoints can hide bad surprises..
Lap them before fitting, and get hold of spare shims.

[Cooperman]

The best ones now are probably from MRA. As above, make sure that you lap them in before fitting and be sure to set the shim thickness correctly.

[JustSteve]

To answer your question, I've got two pairs of non-genuine ones, one side is minisport, the other is minispares (only one set came with the car).

Minispares were WAY better IMO, needed less lapping in too!

[Kam]

Whatever you get don't get non-genuine ones, minis have ended up on there roofs at all speeds and its well documented on here, some really close calls

MRA come up tops, nuff said

[Pitcrew6464]

Sounds like MRA are the ones i need! looked on their site .. . .. . http://www.mra-minis...-set-gsj166.htm these ones?


Thanks for all the replys

Edited by Pitcrew6464, 09 September 2011 - 05:32 AM.

[Surfbluegarage]

we used to use minimines sets but as of late are getting crap. we had a batch of gen mg rover ones and i didnt like them at all even the baseplate where the grease nipple didnt line up at all. We have used a few different makes now (baring in mind i do them nearly every other day on minis) and found that FAI kits are quite good. less time lapping in and they are smooth most of the way round the ball and you use very few shims if any on them.