LRHUE · Mar 23, 2025

Does anyone know of someone that reconditions slightly pitted swivel balls?

Normally I would buy new ones or good condition used, but it’s for one of the first 100 or so 1970 Range Rover classics that I’m restoring and would like to keep it as original as possible.

TIA

Datatek · Mar 23, 2025

LRHUE said:
Does anyone know of someone that reconditions slightly pitted swivel balls?

Normally I would buy new ones or good condition used, but it’s for one of the first 100 or so 1970 Range Rover classics that I’m restoring and would like to keep it as original as possible.

TIA

I think that is a step too far in terms of originality.

lynall · Mar 23, 2025

Stories I have read about the quality of new ones might mean rechroming yours is a sound idea.

landowner · Mar 23, 2025

The black coated ones are very good

Datatek · Mar 23, 2025

If they are pitted, I can't see that re-chroming helps.

kermit_rr · Mar 23, 2025

Datatek said:
If they are pitted, I can't see that re-chroming helps.

What about welding into the damaged areas then filing back down to a smooth finish before rechroming?

Shedload · Thursday at 12:25

JB Weld or chemical metal is an option. Smooth over and rub down. Time consuming though if you going to do it right.

kermit_rr · Sunday at 10:02

Shedload said:
JB Weld or chemical metal is an option. Smooth over and rub down. Time consuming though if you going to do it right.

Surely you can't re-chrome over that!?

Datatek · Sunday at 10:08

kermit_rr said:
Surely you can't re-chrome over that!?

Plastic can be chromed these days, lots of chrome trim on cars is plastic under the chrome.

Shedload · Sunday at 10:14

Wildefalcon said:
What do you mean by a gaiter seal? One of the fittings that go over the swivel ball seal that cover the entire swivel ball?

kermit_rr said:
Surely you can't re-chrome over that!?

I believe it still can be re-chromed, but if it smoothed and polished there is no need.
Not something I have the patience for but it has apparently been done.

pwood999 · Sunday at 10:17

They appear to be quite thick castings. Could you simply smooth down the pitting & then re-chrome ?

But how much is chrome plating ? Black or chrome replacements are around £200 inc VAT.

Shedload · Sunday at 10:26

The pitting needs to be filled in to keep the swivels spherical or I guess oil will leak around lower bits.
Point of note, check how thick the casting is for any replacement parts some are thinner than they should be.

kermit_rr · Sunday at 11:32

Datatek said:
Plastic can be chromed these days, lots of chrome trim on cars is plastic under the chrome.

Is it really?! I always assumed it was 'chrome effect' paint/plastic/other finish

Datatek · Sunday at 11:33

kermit_rr said:
Is it really?! I always assumed it was 'chrome effect' paint/plastic/other finish

You may well be right, but in some cases it flakes off like it's chrome.

kermit_rr · Sunday at 11:39

Datatek said:
You may well be right, but in some cases it flakes off like it's chrome.

I did some reading.. it could technically be real chrome, but more likely it's aluminium (which is probably why it starts to peel) or paint for cheap stuff
Every day is a skool day! I would never have considered aluminium!!

Wildefalcon · Sunday at 17:54

Funnily enough I'm using an aluminium enriched 2k epoxy mastic to fill the pits on the front axle of the 101. Unlike the ordinary series vehicles, the swivel balls can't be replaced, as they are welded onto the axle tube.

The plan is to sand this lot back to smooth, and use one shot grease (CV joints so that's fine) and live with any leakage.

kermit_rr · Sunday at 19:01

Isn't it EP90 for inside the swivels?

Wildefalcon · Sunday at 19:09

Either works for CV joints. Got to be EP90 for UJs.

Shedload · Sunday at 20:27

EP 90 is the recommended but many folks use the one shot, though not sure it really is one shot.

kermit_rr · Sunday at 20:39

Not for universal joints! You want an oil not a grease

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