S2 lower ball joint.

[steve j]

Hello S`ers, got a slight problem At the weekend, I decided to clean up around the front wishbones etc, of course one thing leads to another and I found that my offside lower ball joint has a sheared bolt. I assume that it`s held in place by the 3 bolts that I can see ? I think I`m going to remove both wishbones, droplink and anti-roll bar to give them a good clean up. I`m expecting the three bolts to be b£$%&*ds to get out, has anyone got any tips, just in case
Stevej

[Alan461]

If they're the ones I think you are refering to, the heads on top (inside the wishbone) are difficult to get at.
I would cut and replace them, they are very load bearing and need to be replaced with equal spec.
I'm sure someone will be along with the beta

[steve j]

Alan461 said:

If they're the ones I think you are refering to, the heads on top (inside the wishbone) are difficult to get at.
I would cut and replace them, they are very load bearing and need to be replaced with equal spec.
I'm sure someone will be along with the beta

Hi Alan, thanks, the bolt that has sheared is pretty well solid in the hole, I need to knock it out, hence removal of the wishbones. There isn`t room underneath to use a hammer and punch.

[phillpot]

steve j said:

I assume that it`s held in place by the 3 bolts that I can see ?

From the "S bolts wiki".....


2 off M8 x 45mm and 1 x m8 x 25mm with "nylok" nuts


I'd go for 10.9 high tensile cap heads (Allen bolts)


Probably just years of crud and rust making it tight, hit it harder

[magpies]

'Percussion Maintenance' required

[Barkychoc]

If you take the bolts out and it still won't shift it will be the body of the ball joint rusted into the appropriate hole in the bottom of the wishbone.

Any bashing of the balljoint from underneath will dent the housing and you will need a new one. I don't remember the bottom nuts being especially difficult to remove but it's been a while.

[steve j]

Barkychoc said:

If you take the bolts out and it still won't shift it will be the body of the ball joint rusted into the appropriate hole in the bottom of the wishbone.

Any bashing of the balljoint from underneath will dent the housing and you will need a new one. I don't remember the bottom nuts being especially difficult to remove but it's been a while.

The ball-joint is fine Chris, I need to replace the sheared bolt, might do all 3 though. I`ve got to do the nearside next, hope that is all ok.

[phillpot]

steve j said:

I need to replace the sheared bolt, might do all 3 though.

only "might" !!!!! Sod that, if one's gone for whatever reason I'd have thought replacing all three (with bolts of known tensile strength) was a no brainer?

[steve j]

Finally got the offending bolt out, heat and an effing big hammer didn`t work, so off came the lower wishbone and I drilled it out, new bolt fitted, just the other two to do. The anti-roll bar is off to check the bushes and drop links, all looks well, just needs a clean and paint. I`m itching to get back into a Tiv, hope to get the Chim` back this weekend after the front has been repaired, a young lady decided to reverse into it My S is close to being back on the road and I can`t wait