Monoball suspension bushings

[k wright]

Anyone using Monoball suspension bushings on a GTR?

many thanks

[F.C.]

k wright said:

Anyone using Monoball suspension bushings on a GTR?

many thanks

No, I considered fitting them this winter but they worked out at over $2000 to complete a full refresh, If I were more track focused then I think these are good in-between solution than the rose jointed option offered by the factory.
The factory set up is always going to be better adjustable IMO but the fact that the monoball bearings are weather sealed and can be retro fitted to the std. (urethane bushed) wishbones was a big plus in my thinking.
Just the price and no idea of longevity put me off, I wouldn't be surprised if you could get a set of rose jointed wishbones for around the same money from the factory!
In the end you could refresh your suspension joints with the factory urethane bushes more than ten times over for the same money.

[GTRCLIVE]

Mono Balls are a factory option..... There just called ROSE JOINTS.....

Is it me or are these Monoballs just a Marketing idea ???

[UltimaCH]

Factory offers a rose joint suspension option, but as far as I know not mono-balls. They are not quite the same thing and from comments read on the net definitely a more expensive solution.
Photo below shows a Lotus wishbone with mono-balls

[ezakimak]

GTRCLIVE said:

Mono Balls are a factory option..... There just called ROSE JOINTS.....

Is it me or are these Monoballs just a Marketing idea ???

Hi Clive,

a ROSE JOINT, is just a brand name for a rod end. rod ends are a spherical bearing with an atached threaded shank. there are various grades of rod ends available, with different machanical properties for the shank, hardness for the bearings, seals, and low friction coating. high end 3/8 rod ends will have more strength in every direction than cheep 1/2 units.

a mono ball is just the plan spherical bearing. it will require a machined housing in which to insert the bearing. this then needs to be held in place with either circlips, sprin clips, spiralocks, glue (F1 carbon wishbonnes) or mechanical swaging.

we have been trying to work out how to make mono ball easier to install, the problem with most wishbones is that the cup will warp/distort when welding required post welding machining to allow the bearing to fit. also the use of a circlip can restrict the range of motion and requires a bigger and heiver housing, somewhat negating the advantages of them.

the main advantage of using a mono ball is that you can run your suspension loads in a stright line from the suspension pivot at the wheel directly back into the chassis with no bends. increasing stiffness and driver feedback.

if you are going to get mono balls that need to be swaged, then you have to order them accordingly, and they are normally aerospace spec components with approriate prices. you also need the swaging tools.

have a look through the QA1 web site.

mcmaster CARR seem to have a few 3d models if you want to play in cad.

regards Ryan

[F.C.]

This is what I was considering (or something like):
http://www.elephantracing.com/suspension/monoballs...

[Verde]

Before I decided to buy an already-built car, my son and I visited the factory and I discussed the option of rose joints with Ted (I think). He just smiled and basically said that unless I was principally tracking the car that it would be a bad choice. He implied that it would be a teeth-rattling ride without the subtle 'give' that one does not notice unless it was removed. These cars are far too rare here in CA to ride in one with and one without to feel the difference. My sense is that in the UK the density of Ultima's per square mile is far higher and so one of you could try to find the difference.
I don't know how much steering and alignment accuracy is lost by wrapping the interface in urethane, but my car's steering accuracy (notwithstanding the play in the steering shaft that I have not diagnosed - which is driving me bonkers) exceeds my skill level.
V

Edited by Verde on Sunday 29th December 18:51

[ultiman]

Hi Verde
Sounds from the wry smile that it was Ted you spoke to. I asked the same question in my time and I think he was correct on that one. From the tone of your post, I suspect you agree. You mainly have better roads in the US that the cart tracks we call motorways in the UK so anything that cushions the ride is welcomed. N
PS My car also exceeds my skill/bravery level.

[key750]

Hello friends, I exhume this argument with a question:
No one have try this solution?

http://www.mcgillmotorsport.com/rod-ends-bearings-...

[V8Dom]

i have rose joint suspension.
mine doesnt see the track alot.

love the directness, not teeth chattering but i also have anti roll bars too but use only on the track.

if i built an EVO, id fit rose joints myself

[2001ultima]

ultiman said:

.... You mainly have better roads in the US that the cart tracks we call motorways in the UK so anything that cushions the ride is welcomed.

Maybe this is correct.

I had standard bushings (red), interestingly, the rear lower wishbones had black colored bushings (not sure what they were), I suspect they were stiffer then the red, possibly Delrin. I replaced them with Delrin bushings which were great. Now I have rose joints and they have been fine (just add drops of oil). Last year drove ~5,000 miles, no problem and didn't bother me at all. In fact the red bushings squeaked, the Delrin didn't.

I do like the idea of another option like Monoball