Ball Joint, Talk to Me.

[Rob]

Ok, so I just went on a mega "Search and Read" about ball joint replacement etc and feel I know enough, so I just phoned my motorfactor to get a replacement (SC Motorfactors), and the bloke on the other end of the blowa' said there are two sizes for my model...

At this point I blurted out "I think its 12mm" and he said "Oh ok, that one, cheers" (I said 12mm as I think I remembered reading it somewhere in the last half hour) but I now can't find where...

I also read a post from Budgie, I think, saying you could have them from a Laguna/Megane or something, but once again, I can't find that.

So I basically want to check I'm right before I go buy the thing...

Ph1 172, x reg

 

[iimushroomzii]

Take your's off and take it down there and compare. That's the best way

 

[Budgie]

http://www.northwestperformance.co....ucts_id=197&osCsid=dli1ddrdchc2jr09ijhsdchi35

From a Megane, IIRC. You can buy those separately, where as 172 ones will only be sold with the wishbone.

 

[Struggler]

buy both on the basis if one doesnt fit, you clean it up and return it!

 

[Rob]

If I take mine off, I'll have a hard time driving down there, that and I need to pick it up on the way back from work....

Budge' - I'd have it from NWP but I need it from shop really as it needs to be done before Sat afternoon (when I leave for FCS) (which basically means Thursday)

You seem to be the king of ball joint's dude!

 

[Budgie]

PMSL. Hardly.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/R...0344020072bd1764466e8d3973f534978371b1b5&BALJ

I'd be pretty tempted to bet on these ones, tbh. If they don't fit, clean 'em up and take 'em back..

OE parts, without the Renault stamp, too.

 

[reiddy172]

Go to your local unipart branch and ask for a GSJ703 price is £10.31+ vat
:approve:

 

[Rob]

I'm getting them from SC, but cheers, I've already phoned them, its just they have two different parts available... if I get stuck I'll try find a Unipart.

Budge - you really are, if you search ball joint, almost every thread has a post from you in! lol!

 

[adam172]

as mentioned rob just buy them both from SC then take the wrong one back there normally pretty helpfull in their - i would lend a hand thursday but im in uni all day other wise i could have run you down to pick the right one up ect....

 

[Rob]

No worries mate, I've got mike helping me out anyways

I'm pretty sure its the 12mm variant, so I've just phone my local motor factors (as I like to give them business) comes with new bolts etc for £12, and I'll get the ball joint removal tool from there too.

If all goes well it should drive like a dream come saturday (well if that's whats up with it) lol!

Cheers anyways, and I'll see ya Sunday at FCS

 

[ForceIndia]

Don't forget you'll need the tracking doing after. Some say you won't, but you will!

 

[Budgie]

You don't need the removal tool, mate. Just take the pinch bolt out, and give it a wiggle!

 

[Rob]

Tool is £4, not losing out on too much better safe than sorry no?

Warren - how much more ££ are we talking?

Oh and what do you say some say I won't but I will? Maybe I wont? (hopefully )

 

[Budgie]

Tbh, for £4, it's a handy tool to have in the box. Go for it.

 

[iimushroomzii]

Why do you need the tracking done? There's no room for adjustment?!?

 

[Rob]

Why do you need the tracking done? There's no room for adjustment?!?

I like you, your opinion saves me money.

 

[Dunn]

i dont see why you would need the tracking done :S its not track rod end

 

[Rob]

I guess I'll find out when I change it, assuming its pretty obvious if the tracking is out? (n00b sometimes I know)

 

[Henry]

'should' check tracking whenever you disturb front susp/steering, although it probably changes as soon as it comes off the alignment ramps anyway, due to the deflection in rubber bushes. considering coming up with a cheap way of checking it myself on mine, as £30 every few months is getting boring

 

[NWPerformance]

You wont need the tracking doing as the ball joint dosn't have anything to do with tracking. If you get the right 1 they are fixed in 1 position. Its around £30 - £40 for tracking at most places.

 

[Rob]

Ok cheers Ryan, I'll wait and see I guess.

I'm guessing if the car isn't driving straight, or pulling on braking after then I'll need it done yeah?

i.e they are the symptoms?

 

[NWPerformance]

Uneven tyre wear, pulling 1 way, if you hold the wheel straight and it wants to go 1 way is another. Letting go of the wheel wont tell you as the camber of the road will pull your car 1 way.
You should have your tracking checked every year as it is often out.

 

[Rob]

Ah ok, my wheel is slightly off centre at the moment, would that solve it? I just assumed the OMP wheel wasn't put on straight? lol!

I'll get it done and see what happens

Thanks much.

 

[NWPerformance]

If you get your tracking done it will more than likely put it in the center again.

 

[Darren85]

It's handy you doing all these bits and bobs Rob, come time I need some parts replacing, I know where to come knocking

Good luck with the Ball Joint dude, I'm sure you'll manage fine!

 

[Tunst]

i you struggle mate, let me know and il bring some gear and do it at the camp site

 

[MikeB]

We'll have look tommorow.

 

[Rob]

Ok so I ordered just a ball joint,

For a Ph1 172 the size is 12mm (this size is the bolt holes)

Changing it was no real problem, however it did throw the tracking out, so warren (Brown Bear) was right.

Driving with a off centre wheel FTL