So I had to do it !!!
After much reading of threads on this, I was still unsure what I would end up doing. Having seen problems with getting arm off I decided to go (first) with the ball joint.
Recent visit back to Uk so ordered both arm and ball joint to bring back just Incase I had problem with the top cup which many seem to have a big problem with.
Drove it into the garage around 11am, sat back in the house with a cup of coffee 3:30pm. I don’t have any specialist tools to work on the car except the big hammer.
So away we go nut off, circlip out, break taper. And all bits out by 12:30.
Now the top cup challenge, pic before clean up but I agree not much to get a hold of..
After a slurp of coffee and some measuring I went about my tool box with my calipers and came up with this.
Please ignore the slight self lubrication on the swivel, and the fact I have no steering stops.
I had cleaned internals with wire wheel and soaked with that oil in a can. While hunting for my special tools.
A few minutes later I had this on the floor.
I guess I won’t be needing that arm I brought.
Another good clean up and checking of parts, I was on to put it back together with nice new bits with grease.
Sorry forgot to get pics of re-assemble, but safe to say that little spring is pretty strong and the whimpy clamp I started with didn’t get it, so finally in and circlip in place,new boot and packed full of grease all the way.
Reason for the slack in the joint in the first place? Apart from the spilt boot and lack of grease, I guess the lazy spring didn’t help.
Hopefully we can now drive down the road in a straight line.
Jon.
After much reading of threads on this, I was still unsure what I would end up doing. Having seen problems with getting arm off I decided to go (first) with the ball joint.
Recent visit back to Uk so ordered both arm and ball joint to bring back just Incase I had problem with the top cup which many seem to have a big problem with.
Drove it into the garage around 11am, sat back in the house with a cup of coffee 3:30pm. I don’t have any specialist tools to work on the car except the big hammer.
So away we go nut off, circlip out, break taper. And all bits out by 12:30.
Now the top cup challenge, pic before clean up but I agree not much to get a hold of..
After a slurp of coffee and some measuring I went about my tool box with my calipers and came up with this.
Please ignore the slight self lubrication on the swivel, and the fact I have no steering stops.
I had cleaned internals with wire wheel and soaked with that oil in a can. While hunting for my special tools.
A few minutes later I had this on the floor.
I guess I won’t be needing that arm I brought.
Another good clean up and checking of parts, I was on to put it back together with nice new bits with grease.
Sorry forgot to get pics of re-assemble, but safe to say that little spring is pretty strong and the whimpy clamp I started with didn’t get it, so finally in and circlip in place,new boot and packed full of grease all the way.
Reason for the slack in the joint in the first place? Apart from the spilt boot and lack of grease, I guess the lazy spring didn’t help.
Hopefully we can now drive down the road in a straight line.
Jon.