Suspension ball joint - NEED HELP

[cobra06FR]

Dear All,

I need you help.
I have an MKIV (AK1317)

I have noticed an increase noise on the front left of the car especially when driving on poor quality road.
looking at it carefully, I have noticed that the suspension ball joint of the upper whisbone  left is dead (see picture) .  I want to change the 4 of them (2 left and 2 right). Does anyone know what is the part reference and where to fond them ?

Also I have noticed a sudden degradation of my right tyre (degradation on the outside of the tyre). again looking into it carefully, I noticed 2 things:
- some spare movement of the lower suspension ball joint (see picture)
- noisy wheel bearing when spinning the left wheel manually

Again, Could anyone help me with the bearing and ball joint references and where to find them.

Many Many Thanks in advance for you time and help
Best Regards

LaurentCobra06

[dkp_cobra]

Hi Laurent,
I think the lower ball joint is a Saab one. As far as I know Barry (bazhow@hotmail.com) offers a NOS set of them. Look at the "small ads" page above the forum.

The upper suspension ball joints are standard male threaded rod ends. I am not sure about the thread but it is definitely UNF. You can buy them here: https://www.isa-racing.com/detail/index/sArticle/4086/sCategory/970 or here: https://www.mcgillmotorsport.com/male-rod-ends-c-55
I bought from both companies over the past years and both are very good.
Kind regards,
Peter

[Flyinghorse]

Laurent,
The upper rose joints also set the caster/camber so either mark up carefully /measure (count turns) or follow the guide I wrote up in action a few years  back.
I may have the article in "word" somewhere buried in my pc if you want a copy.

I used Mcgill motorsport.
Graham

[cobra06FR]

Thanks Flyinghorse. I'd be interested in the word document if you still have /  can find it.
you can mail it to me.
Many Thanks in advance.
BR
L

[cobra06FR]

Thanks Peter.

I think the upper Rose joint is a 5/8"  3/4 UNF thread.  I'd noticed McGillMotorsport was selling them but had no idea if they were good. Really nice you can confirm they are.
The lower rose joint, I thought it was an Austin 1800/2200 part - but I might be wrong. I'll ask Barry to send me pictures of his parts.

Many thanks again for your help .
Best Regards
Laurent

[Flyinghorse]

Laurent-re the wheel bearing --the one in place should have a code number on it to get a replacement.
I found the adjustment article so will email.
Graham

[AC Ventura]

Other respondents are correct, the ball joint is a Saab part and should be easy enough to get. It is tricky to change though. If you have my experience, you will have to modify a spanner to get into the recess and stop the unit rotating, as you try to remove it.
You will need a ball splitter. Mine is very heavy duty, but despite extreme force, the taper would not release. As a last resort I carefully used a blowtorch to force the unit to expand, while the splitter was in place. Shortly after, there was a loud noise as the two parts finally separated. After which the repair was straightforward.

[cobra06FR]

Many thanks to all of you for your comments; suggestions and references to part.
I got it sorted now and replaced.

Does not mean I out of problems.  The replacement led to aggravation of the noise of the steering rack inner ball joint on the left side (lefthandrive). So I am now looking for the complete steering rack for an MKIV 1989. Does anyone know what make /type/it is ??
Many thanks for your help again

[Flyinghorse]

Laurent,
Good question -what type of rack is fitted and whats it from. Any clues (Part numbers , ford or other ID stampings on the rack you presumably have removed?
You could see if a specialist like this can refurbish it:
https://steering-racks.co.uk/

I just did a search for "steering"  on the MkIV thread  and came up with these-seems to be a modified MGB and Gerry Hawkridge  mentioned as a supplier:
https://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14.msg3888#msg3888
https://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9864.msg57294#msg57294
Do let us know how you progress.
Regards
Graham

[cobra06FR]

Hi All, Flyinghorse

It is an MGB modified. Shortened.
I contacted Gerry and we had several mail exchanges. Gerry could have done it.
Finally I bought an MGB one and got is shortened by a local specialist. Will be installed tomorrow  :)  I'll let you know how it goes