6 replies to this topic

[Ann-Wilson]

Hi folks, have taken my hubs apart with the intention of
Changing the ball joints. ..I bought the joints from mini spares
(I trust these are still or good quality after everything I have heard recently
About Chinese imports etc. ). Anyway the question
I need expert advice on this hub. . It appears damaged where
The spring and say go. . Is this still usable? Or is it dangerous
and better to throw away and buy a new one?
Thanks in advance for any help:)

[tiger99]

Sorry, but that hub is scrap.

[minidaves]

why is it scrap if the cup fits properly in the hole with the spring i would say the damage is from poor assembly not anything else as long as the main mechanical functions are ok then no reason for it to be scrap

[miniman24]

Id hate to think how that occured! Definitely scrap, they can be bought very cheaply second hand though.

[miniman24]

why is it scrap if the cup fits properly in the hole with the spring i would say the damage is from poor assembly not anything else as long as the main mechanical functions are ok then no reason for it to be scrap

 

I personally wouldnt risk fitting a safety critical component such as that with that kind of damage, not when a replacement can be had very cheaply. It would worry me at every rut in the road!

[tiger99]

I will take a bit more time to explain, as at least one person is suggesting that it is ok, while others are saying scrap it. The problem is that, even if the cup fits perfectly, which frankly seems very unlikely, the damage is causing STRESS RAISERS which will result in a fatigue fracture some time later, due to the highly dynamic loading applied to the part. It also did not get into that state without something seriously brutal being done to it, possibly even a ball joint fracture due to incompetent assembly, or the cup being partly ejected due to running with vastly excessive end float, which would have hammered the entire hub, so there is just no telling how much overstress has occurred. Never, ever take chances with safety critical parts.

[Ann-Wilson]

Thanks for the quick response...I found something similar in an old edition of "keeping your mini alive 5" but was not sure if this was one of the reasons the hub was scraped. I was on the way to scrapping....am now convinced, cheers.

Richard