Changing wishbones.....stuck already!
Discussion
On a bit of a project and I need some help!
I'm changing the front wishbones on my Pre-Cat Griff. Currently fitted with the originals with the two piece upper. On disassembly I'm already a bit stuck!
Top ball joint. I'm starting on the near side, I've removed the two rear nuts but cannot shift the two bolts from the mount, these should just push out yes? See pic. I cannot even turn them with a socket, it's as if they are welded in.
Bottom Ball joint. Again I have undone the three nuts from the bottom and the bolts are loose, should the mount just split from the bottom wish bone? Again I'm struggling to split it.
Finally the track-rod end. Does this just spilt from the hub? Again I am struggling, do I need any special tools for this?
Any more tips or advice you guys can give me on this it would be really helpful. I have picked up some second hand wishbones in good condition, just need a coat of paint. I'll be using all new nuts and bolts on reassembly and will replace anything else that is required.
I'm changing the front wishbones on my Pre-Cat Griff. Currently fitted with the originals with the two piece upper. On disassembly I'm already a bit stuck!
Top ball joint. I'm starting on the near side, I've removed the two rear nuts but cannot shift the two bolts from the mount, these should just push out yes? See pic. I cannot even turn them with a socket, it's as if they are welded in.
Bottom Ball joint. Again I have undone the three nuts from the bottom and the bolts are loose, should the mount just split from the bottom wish bone? Again I'm struggling to split it.
Finally the track-rod end. Does this just spilt from the hub? Again I am struggling, do I need any special tools for this?
Any more tips or advice you guys can give me on this it would be really helpful. I have picked up some second hand wishbones in good condition, just need a coat of paint. I'll be using all new nuts and bolts on reassembly and will replace anything else that is required.
Yes, everything ,once unbolted should just pull apart.The top ball joint bolts should just slide out !
For how much they cost, its worth getting all new ball joints at the same time, but be careful there are some aftermarket ones that will limit how much camber adjustment is possible.
Steerin control arm joint should just pull like on any other car. Would recomend a ball joint splitter if it is that tight.
For how much they cost, its worth getting all new ball joints at the same time, but be careful there are some aftermarket ones that will limit how much camber adjustment is possible.
Steerin control arm joint should just pull like on any other car. Would recomend a ball joint splitter if it is that tight.
Just had a go at the drivers side and the top ball joint bolts have come apart without too much of a struggle, looks like this ball joint has been changed at some point. Some brute force on the other side should get them apart, I'll try once I have the assembly off the car.
Only bits that are stopping me taking it all apart are the track rod ends, a big hammer is not doing it so I'll get myself a ball joint splitter, I do have a hub puller but that's not man enough.
Any advice of the best value source of top and bottom ball joints?
Only bits that are stopping me taking it all apart are the track rod ends, a big hammer is not doing it so I'll get myself a ball joint splitter, I do have a hub puller but that's not man enough.
Any advice of the best value source of top and bottom ball joints?
I had the sort of splitter that has a threaded bar. ended up breaking the splitter. Bought the fork type but you will need a large one and large hammer and that did the trick.
If i were you i would replace those two piece upper wishbones with newer one piece. It will save you trying to get the two bolts out of the ball joint which have obviously coroded together and in all probability wont come out.
remember plenty of copper slip on all the new bolts to stop any future siezing.
If i were you i would replace those two piece upper wishbones with newer one piece. It will save you trying to get the two bolts out of the ball joint which have obviously coroded together and in all probability wont come out.
remember plenty of copper slip on all the new bolts to stop any future siezing.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
I used the scissor type similar to the link, dead easy. Cheapy from Machine Mart did the trick but quality not good, you get what you pay for I guess.
I used the scissor type similar to the link, dead easy. Cheapy from Machine Mart did the trick but quality not good, you get what you pay for I guess.
Every thing's off! Managed to get a ball joint splitter and cracked the track rod ends ok. One half of the top wishbone is stuck solid to the ball joint, about to attack it with a hammer and chisel.
I think I'm changing the wishbones at the right time looking at the state of these, quite scary really when you think of the speed these cars can achieve.
Going to go for new top and bottom ball joints and new track rod ends, new nuts and bolts, any recommendations on a good place to get these? What about ARB tie ends?
I think I'm changing the wishbones at the right time looking at the state of these, quite scary really when you think of the speed these cars can achieve.
Going to go for new top and bottom ball joints and new track rod ends, new nuts and bolts, any recommendations on a good place to get these? What about ARB tie ends?
Edited by TVR Dummy on Tuesday 26th July 17:15
carsy said:
I`d be going for new wishbones as well. Looking at those i think they have had it. For the ARB drop links i would get some from Steve Heath.
I am swapping the wishbones, I already have them. I've seen Steve's drop links, they look good and I've seen good reviews, anyone here actually have them fitted?On my second set of SH drop links, not due to the quality, more due to an errant man hole in the south of france.
Certainly worth the investment, Leven were doing an alternative as well I understand. Be sure to follow the instruction carefully otherwise they will not function as well as they should.
You are right to junk the wishbones, have you checked the rest of the chassis and what are you going to use for bushes in the new wishbones? Apologies if already answered, i have not had time to read whole thread . .
For bushes you can also speak to Steve . .
Certainly worth the investment, Leven were doing an alternative as well I understand. Be sure to follow the instruction carefully otherwise they will not function as well as they should.
You are right to junk the wishbones, have you checked the rest of the chassis and what are you going to use for bushes in the new wishbones? Apologies if already answered, i have not had time to read whole thread . .
For bushes you can also speak to Steve . .
Here is a method for splitting ball joints which works every time for me.
Get a big pry bar or piece of 4x4 - the longer the better (a crowbar is just about long enough but longer would be better)
Leave the nut on the balljoint
Slide the pry bar between the balljoint (or rather very close to it) and something which has substance and won't bend easily
Get a mate to lean on the pry bar so you are putting the balljoint under load, as if trying to lever it out.
Using a hammer, give the body of the hub next to where the balljoint is inside, and really good whack.
You are trying to spring the balljoint free, not hammer it out. So you hit the hub on the side here next to it.
Get a big pry bar or piece of 4x4 - the longer the better (a crowbar is just about long enough but longer would be better)
Leave the nut on the balljoint
Slide the pry bar between the balljoint (or rather very close to it) and something which has substance and won't bend easily
Get a mate to lean on the pry bar so you are putting the balljoint under load, as if trying to lever it out.
Using a hammer, give the body of the hub next to where the balljoint is inside, and really good whack.
You are trying to spring the balljoint free, not hammer it out. So you hit the hub on the side here next to it.
Edited by Barreti on Wednesday 27th July 08:21
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff