Wishbone balljoint question...

1. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

   #1 18th October 2010, 12:17

   Car failed MOT on balljoint after this new one was put on by myself a 2 weeks before the mot. Replaced the part with a new one (wishbone) i've fitted it correctly with everything lined up so the bolt slides through freely, now i then torqued this up to 38nm is this enough?
   
   Are there different sized balljoints or yokes?
   
   Should i get a new bolt to go through from citroen?
   
   I don't think its the hub, any ideas..
   
   i did use a new locking nut.
2. Oc2 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Nottm. Posts: 924 Focus ST2 ASBO

   #2 18th October 2010, 13:57

   Should be same size mate, had same thing last week so we just chnaged the wishbone instead of the ball joint
   
   my dad used a new bolt he had lieing around that was the same size as the one we took off that was all rusty and brittle
3. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

   #3 18th October 2010, 19:05

   Didnt really answer my question, does it need to be done up tighter than 38nm, is it down to the balljoint..
4. Oc2 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Nottm. Posts: 924 Focus ST2 ASBO

   #4 18th October 2010, 20:46

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by baker556 Car failed MOT on balljoint after this new one was put on by myself a 2 weeks before the mot. Replaced the part with a new one (wishbone) i've fitted it correctly with everything lined up so the bolt slides through freely, now i then torqued this up to 38nm is this enough? Are there different sized balljoints or yokes? Should i get a new bolt to go through from citroen? I don't think its the hub, any ideas.. i did use a new locking nut.

   
   Kinda did
   
   38nm should be fine
5. user_36198 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2009 ilkeston derbyshire Posts: 9823 C2 VTR stripped, 406hdi, clio 172

   #5 18th October 2010, 21:57

   maybe the hole the balljoint enters is worn,not unknown
6. Mochachino Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Nov 2007 Guantanamo Bay Posts: 28700 oyster card

   #6 18th October 2010, 22:46

   As mandyslover said. Check it is actually the balljoint, it might be that where the ball joint goes into the clamp on the strut is actually worn and require a new strut. You can get different size ball joints, but it would be obvious if you had the wrong size, like putting a 23mm socket on a 13mm nut..
7. user_16747 Banned Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 4328

   #7 19th October 2010, 08:49

   Bolts should always be replaced.
   Be careful when buying from citroen as they have being supplying fully threaded set screws rather than bolts!
   The thread rubs the pin which in turn wears down leading to excessiv play.
   
   Like the others have said check the hub isnt oval.
8. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

   #8 19th October 2010, 17:17

   ok cheers for the info guys
   
   Can you overtighten the clamp part say more than the recomended 38nm? as surely theres a limit as the strut needs to turn round the balljoint?
9. alendil Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 167

   #9 19th October 2010, 19:11

   the bol joint is turning not the strut on ball joint (if it make sens)
   it have to be tite
10. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

    #10 21st October 2010, 19:40

    right thanks for the advice guys
    
    Still have the same problem went for testing and the ball joint just moves on the shaker ramp at kwik fit, all tight could it be the top of the strut causing it to move the ball joint, btw its the actual balljoint not the hub it sits in or anything..
11. chinkostu Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 The wrong carpark Posts: 5152 Xantia 1.9TD

    #11 21st October 2010, 20:05

    if you've replaced the joint and the problems still there, its not the balljoint. take it to another garage to get looked at
    
    have you tried replacing the wishbone? i had play in one of mine and i changed the wishbone, tight as a nun after that
12. Dan-Jnr Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2008 Manchester Posts: 164

    #12 22nd October 2010, 09:14

    You can get a pair of wishbones with new bushes and balljoints for £69 of eBay. Really easy to fit too.
13. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

    #13 23rd October 2010, 10:59

    yes mate re-read the thread i have replaced two sets of brand new wishbones went to another garage an they said it looked fine no problems at all they had a good look too, dont go to kwik fit..