Cobra MkIV rear shock lower ball joint assembly

[MkIV Lux]

Hi guys,
I need to replace the lower ball joints (maybe called differently in proper mechanical engineering language) of the rear Koni shocks on my 1993 MkIV (AKL1417).
The attached pic of bad quality faintly shows the components.. After cleaning 4 components are revealed sitting in the main plain metal extension of the shock:
- 1 outer ring (with inner side concave) held in place by 2 clips fitting into grooves
- 1 inner ring (with outer face convex) (can be put in place sideways into the outer ring)
The main bolt goes through the inner ring and has each side a cylindrical spacer (featuring a small lip one side) to hold the shock in the middle of the suspension arm pickup.

If anybody has replaced this assembly, I would be delighted to get feedback particularly on sourcing of the parts.
Attached also a schematic drawing (not to scale) showing the assembly.

mans thanks in advance
Constant

[B.P.Bird]

Constant,
I cannot answer the specific question - obviously you will have tried Koni sources, but the distance pieces, as you describe them, look just like the distance pieces that come with spherical bearings (Rose Joints.) Maybe the spherical pieces you need are also to be found associated with these readily available bearings ?
It does seem unlikely that Koni would make their own version if something was available off the shelf ?
Good luck with the search
Barrie

[MkIV Lux]

Hi Barrie,
Indeed I have tried KONI but without result.
The spacers look like the ones on this rose joint assembly (yellowish spacer), however are thinner. Once I'll have found the inner two rings, I can see to find appropriate length spacers, depending on the width of the inner ring.
Thanks
Constant

[jmohara]

I believe this is RBJ207L
I replaced these on mine. Hard to get but there are some available online if you search.
M

[Flyinghorse]

This link shows the bearing - I have a couple on the shelf and can give you a contact.
https://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1993.msg1993#msg1993

Graham
( no no longer a member but don't mind helping out a member)

[MkIV Lux]

I believe this is RBJ207L
I replaced these on mine. Hard to get but there are some available online if you search.
M

many thanks for the info

[MkIV Lux]

This link shows the bearing - I have a couple on the shelf and can give you a contact.
https://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1993.msg1993#msg1993

Graham
( no no longer a member but don't mind helping out a member)

Many thanks, Graham. Very comprehensive.
Any idea about the spacers?
Constant

[westcott]

Spacers are available in different dimensions from companies like ISA racing, selling rubber covers for Uniball joints.

[AC Ventura]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I redesigned and had made new spring perches, as my original Koni's had stripped. These are stronger, designed fur an 80mm C Spanner and give 6mm more lift too. Happy to share drawings if you confirm thread outside diameter.

[MkIV Lux]

Not sure if this is off topic, but I redesigned and had made new spring perches, as my original Koni's had stripped. These are stronger, designed fur an 80mm C Spanner and give 6mm more lift too. Happy to share drawings if you confirm thread outside diameter.

Hi AC Ventura,
I'ld be interested to know the reference of the Spax shocks. 

[westcott]

Hi Constant,

before mounting SPAX as a replacement I would ask KW Suspensions in Germany to produce a set for the MK IV !

I was in contact with them in the past, all they need is a reference damper/spring combination for front and rear.

All other info or measurements needed will be discussed if necessary.

Even the color can be adjusted to match the orange Koni appearance.   

https://www.kwsuspensions.de/

[MkIV Lux]

Hi guys.
I realize I had so far not taken the time to make an update on this topic: finally I managed to source the plain spherical bearings (RBJ207L) and replaced the faulty originals. Actually it was the inner race that was broken, on both sides. RBJ207L is a part used in the aeronautical rather than in the automotive industry. No wonder, given Brian Angliss' interest in aeroplanes.
Thanks again for all your advises.
Constant