Bottom Ball Joints

[maxd]

I’m in the process of putting back together my S01 went an got some new ball joint from the local motor factors using the part no QSJ768 which is off a Lada 1200 1972-1976.
It doesn’t fit, looks similar but the holes are all out of alignment. Anybody got any thoughts on the matter.

[andyf007]

Had exactly the same problem on mine. Even the old unit didn't line up 100% and the bolts were slightly bent on removal. I haven't changed mine yet though, I put the old one back on, but it looks likely that the holes in the bottom arm will need elongating or re-drilling to line up correctly. I think that the rear bolt does line up, but the front two don't by about 2mm each. In which case you should be able to fix the unit by the rear bolt and use it to guide the drill for the front two holes (careful not to damage the ball holes when you drill).

Andy

[dougs]

God, could you imagine if it fitted correctly - that just wouldn't be TVR, and might be more worrying!!!!!

[dougs]

God, could you imagine if it fitted correctly - that just wouldn't be TVR, and might be more worrying!!!!!

[Le TVR]

I must have been lucky then.
Only 1mm to file off to get the bolts in

But wheres the quality control problem? TVR or Lada

[LeeBee]

Was the Lada not some rebadged Fiat? (125 I think) maybe you could ask for a bottom ball joint from one of these to see if it is any different?

Cheers

LeeBee

[Yellabelly]

Max
The other part number that comes up in the parts list is AP Lockheed TC204

see below:
www.tvrcc-south-wales.co.uk/sparts.asp#top

Yb

[shpub]

There are several issues: Lada may have a different mounting which means that the part will fit a Lada but doesn't fit the TVR. The wishnone may be slotted so the hole position is not an issue. Same thing has happened on the top ball joint where some SAAB 900 ball joints don't fit either. Some have a modified design that fit SAABs but not S series car. The problem is you don't know until you look.