replacing front suspension lower ball joint 400SE
Discussion
I just did both of mine on a 350i.
Jacked up the front of the car using the large crossmember under the steering rack so that the wishbones are free to drop, then removed the wheel. The springs don't need to be removed. In my case I replaced the stub axles too, but all you need to do is undo the large bottom ball joint nut, and swing the upper wishbone and still connected stub axle upwards. You may need to undo the upper wishbone pivot bolt a couple of turns to make it easier to move.
Then, undo the 4 bolts holding the bottom balljoint in place (2 large ones going through the front roll bar, and 2 smaller ones also) and the balljoint will pop out. Replacement is the reverse. Should take about 10 mins... You could always support the lower wishbone with a couple of chunks of wood or another jack if you are worried about the spring pushing it down/stressing it. I found this wasn't an issue on mine.
I initially bought a Granada Mk2 balljoint from a motor factor, but when I tried to fit it I found the hole alignment was different. I think others here have had the same problems. Some people have slotted the 2 smaller holes with a file and found this works ok. I went to a breakers and got an original Ford ball joint, then took the rubber gaiter from the new one and fitted it to this to make it all smart looking!
If ya need anymore details, just shout!
Dan.
Jacked up the front of the car using the large crossmember under the steering rack so that the wishbones are free to drop, then removed the wheel. The springs don't need to be removed. In my case I replaced the stub axles too, but all you need to do is undo the large bottom ball joint nut, and swing the upper wishbone and still connected stub axle upwards. You may need to undo the upper wishbone pivot bolt a couple of turns to make it easier to move.
Then, undo the 4 bolts holding the bottom balljoint in place (2 large ones going through the front roll bar, and 2 smaller ones also) and the balljoint will pop out. Replacement is the reverse. Should take about 10 mins... You could always support the lower wishbone with a couple of chunks of wood or another jack if you are worried about the spring pushing it down/stressing it. I found this wasn't an issue on mine.
I initially bought a Granada Mk2 balljoint from a motor factor, but when I tried to fit it I found the hole alignment was different. I think others here have had the same problems. Some people have slotted the 2 smaller holes with a file and found this works ok. I went to a breakers and got an original Ford ball joint, then took the rubber gaiter from the new one and fitted it to this to make it all smart looking!
If ya need anymore details, just shout!
Dan.
Well, there didnt seem to be any tension on my springs when the car was jacked up. I had mine supported under the main crossmember for about 2 weeks with the springs attached, but no balljoint or stub axles installed. Perhaps when the car is jacked up, the shock absorbers reach their maximium travel and prevent the bottom wishbones from falling.
If you want to be sure, I would just put another small jack under the bottom wishbone to take up the tension. Theres room where the bottom of the shock absorber goes through it to support it. Undo the big nut on the balljoint but leave it attached to the thread by a few turns and then tap the wishbone to make sure it doesnt "ping" downwards.
The below pic shows my car with everything removed, and as you can see the bottom wishbone isn't being supported by anything.
Dan.
If you want to be sure, I would just put another small jack under the bottom wishbone to take up the tension. Theres room where the bottom of the shock absorber goes through it to support it. Undo the big nut on the balljoint but leave it attached to the thread by a few turns and then tap the wishbone to make sure it doesnt "ping" downwards.
The below pic shows my car with everything removed, and as you can see the bottom wishbone isn't being supported by anything.
Dan.
No you do not need to remove the spring.
I changed mine earlier this year for MOT and from what I remember
Jack car, support on axle stand
Wheel off
Split the ball joint
Undo 4 bolts, then you shold be able to wriggle out the old unit
If not jack under the arm (using a block of wood between jack and arm) to give you more room.
Put new unit in bolt up loosely,
Release jack
Attach ball joint
Then tighten all the bolts to correct torque
Put wheel on, lower car, check tightness of all bolts
Drive away and hopefully front end not quite as woolly
probably 1/2 - 1 hour to do complete job, with not too much swearing or broken nails etc
I changed mine earlier this year for MOT and from what I remember
Jack car, support on axle stand
Wheel off
Split the ball joint
Undo 4 bolts, then you shold be able to wriggle out the old unit
If not jack under the arm (using a block of wood between jack and arm) to give you more room.
Put new unit in bolt up loosely,
Release jack
Attach ball joint
Then tighten all the bolts to correct torque
Put wheel on, lower car, check tightness of all bolts
Drive away and hopefully front end not quite as woolly
probably 1/2 - 1 hour to do complete job, with not too much swearing or broken nails etc
digga951 said:
Undo the big nut on the balljoint but leave it attached to the thread by a few turns and then tap the wishbone to make sure it doesnt "ping" downwards.
Yes !!!!! That's the trick !!!
Thank you all for the very quick respons !
Wednesday I will drive the 400se through the very north of Scotland with the Dutch TVR club.
Your right Steve !!!
Last night I did the job and the new lower ball joint didn't fit !!!! The original 4 hole pattern is 10mm wider than the Granada ball joint !! So , I had the wrong part.
This morning a good friend of me called Hans Daalhuisen (430SE) brouhgt me an original Ford Taunus (Cortina) ball joint which look simular to the original one. Tonight I will have my second try.
I have to hurry up because tomorrow I will be on holiday in Scotland.........with the 400SE !!!
Last night I did the job and the new lower ball joint didn't fit !!!! The original 4 hole pattern is 10mm wider than the Granada ball joint !! So , I had the wrong part.
This morning a good friend of me called Hans Daalhuisen (430SE) brouhgt me an original Ford Taunus (Cortina) ball joint which look simular to the original one. Tonight I will have my second try. I have to hurry up because tomorrow I will be on holiday in Scotland.........with the 400SE !!!
Right !! The balljoint is fitted and I am off in one hour to Scotland with 29 other TVR's .
For those who like to have a beer with us, we are with
30 Tivs together in Edinburgh on Thursday night (Best Western, 100 Milton Road East)
We will be in Tomintoul , The Gordon Hotel, The Square , on the Friday and Saterday.
On Sunday, Monday we are at Inverary, The Loch Fyne Hotel in Argyll.
William
For those who like to have a beer with us, we are with
30 Tivs together in Edinburgh on Thursday night (Best Western, 100 Milton Road East)
We will be in Tomintoul , The Gordon Hotel, The Square , on the Friday and Saterday. On Sunday, Monday we are at Inverary, The Loch Fyne Hotel in Argyll.
William
I'm glad you got that ball joint done! Always nice to have a wedge with all 4 wheels on the ground again.
I hope you have an awesome time in Scotland (although you will already probably be back home by the time you read this). I live the other side of the country so probably a bit far to go for a beer. I take it you're going from the Hoek to Harwich? I live near to Harwich so will keep a look out for you on the return journey ;-)
Have fun,
Dan.
I hope you have an awesome time in Scotland (although you will already probably be back home by the time you read this). I live the other side of the country so probably a bit far to go for a beer. I take it you're going from the Hoek to Harwich? I live near to Harwich so will keep a look out for you on the return journey ;-)
Have fun,
Dan.
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