British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Upper Ball Joint - problem

I cannot get the upper suspension ball joint free of the hub. And yes, I've bent back the lock washer! Best I have is a 46mm open ended spanner, but it's not going to loosen this s.o.b

I understand that Rover used to have a special tool (18G1341) which is a socket with a hole in the top through which the threaded part of the ball joint fits. The nut and washer are put on to hold the socket in place. This is because the hexagon of the ball joint is VERY shallow and the run-in on a conventional socket could easily slip. A conventional socket is then used on the top of the tool.

Anyone know where I can get such a tool - or hire/borrow one from? I'm in Bournemouth.

Thanks

Jeff
J Lennon

I've got a result with a 46mm open end spanner after all.

A 46mm deep socket didn't work (slips off due to wrong geometry of force). I found I had to bend down part of the ABS strain bracket that's under the steering arm to hub bolts. This has been forcing the spanner of the slim ball joint nut. Tapped the offending area of this bent up bracket with a ball hammer to get it out the way. Then 46mm spanner fits flat - sharp tap with 2lb hammer and job done.

Meanwhile my wife has found DeeJays tools suppliers in Sheffield (http://www.djtoolsdirect.co.uk) They sell the proper tool for £12.50 or so plus postage. Also Lambda sensor tool. I will make contact with DeeJay tomorrow and report back to the Group. For next time the proper tool has to be the way to go!

Jeff
J Lennon

Happy days - the 46mm socket wasn't a waste of cash after all. It worked nicely on the torque wrench without slipping, to get 105nm on the new ball joint hub thread. The lock washer has been bashed up - and down - to lock the joint in place and that should be that for several years to come!

Jeff
J Lennon

Well Done Jeff.

Good to see DIY'ers give it a go without the use of expensive so called special tools.
I usually like to make something or comeup with an alternative to do the jod.
Its only as a last resort that I use special tools.

For example, I just completed a cambelt change and made up the flywheel locking tool from scrap metal a bit of welding and 10 mins of my time..


cheers
Branko
Branko

Thanks for the encouragement Branko!

See my new thread about Poly Bushes and wishbones.

Jeff
J Lennon

This thread was discussed between 03/07/2009 and 05/07/2009

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now