Ball-Joint Hole Too Big? Or Worn Ball-Joint?

[barista 0 1 Cars]

Hi

 

I'm a little concerned about the front suspension on my girlfriends base model 205. During reassembly after chucking a new drive shaft on it, I noticed that the pin(?) on the ball-joint actually goes too far into the hole in the hub, meaning I had to back it off slightly to slide the bolt in. I'm guessing this isn't ideal as I imagine it will be putting a lot of load onto the bolt itself rather than the taper of the pin. There is no discernible movement of the assembly once bolted up, but it may be the cause of the slight knocking I have heard from the front end over the past few months.

 

My question is whether it is likely to be the pin that has worn, or the hole in the hub? What will I need to buy? The ball joint itself is a little stiff, but doesn't have any play, and while the bushes look a little old and saggy, they don't look knackered. I'm a student and my missus is in between jobs at the moment, so we really need to avoid spending money on parts that don't need replacing. That said, when she starts her new job she will be commuting 30 miles a day, and needs the car to be safe and on the road ASAP.

 

Also, I would be interested in getting all new pinch bolts and nuts and what not to do the job properly, where might be best to get them?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Tim

[Tom Fenton 1,540]

It is a parallel pin, there is no taper. They can go slightly too far through sometimes and need knocking back a fraction to put the pinch bolt in. DO NOT overtighten the pinch bolt, this can stretch the hub clamp. If when everything is tight there is no play in the ball joint itself, or the connection from ball pin to hub, then all is OK.

 

As with anything safety critical if you are not confident enough to decide for yourself if its right then you'd be better to get a garage to give it the once over.

[barista 0 1 Cars]

Ah, well now I feel silly. Was really worried about that! I am wondering what that knocking might be in that case. One symptom is a big thunk when applying the brake while reversing, which I'm guessing is something moving slightly due to the direction change in braking force.

[Anthony 1,002]

That knock in reverse will likely be worn Bendix front brake caliper sliders - it's a very common issue with them sadly.

[barista 0 1 Cars]

That knock in reverse will likely be worn Bendix front brake caliper sliders - it's a very common issue with them sadly.

That would make sense. They were a little sticky when we got it, but freed off after a good clean and grease. Is there a cheap fix, or is it time for new calipers?

[welshpug 1,655]

new slider pins may help, but given the body of the caliper is alloy and the pins chromed steel it depends quite how bad they are.