Wishbone replacement

[Bankrupt_drunk]

I think my wishbones are on their last legs, Ive replaced the track rods ends, ARB bushes, all engine and gearbox mounts (they all needed doing, i wasn't just chucking parts at the car). and I've still got a rattle from the front i can feel through the steering wheel.
So, when replacing wishbones and ball joints, is there any hardware, nuts bolts etc, i should have up my sleeve in case of problems?
From anyone who has done this before, is there anything i need to watch out for?

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Ps. I've also pulled the engine as far forward as it'll go to try to leave a gap between the exhaust and subframe. It made no difference.

 

[botfch]

Pinch bolt can be a bit of a prick to get out if its never been changed, handy to have a ball joint pickle fork.

 

[JamesBryan]

If you can feel it through the steering have you checked the rack and it's bushes?

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

I have had a look, the rack and bushes look ok, in fact they look a lot newer than the rest if the car! Which could mean the previous owner had a go...

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Pinch bolt can be a bit of a prick to get out if its never been changed, handy to have a ball joint pickle fork.

Thanks, I may treat myself to a new one.

 

[hipwell]

Nah it's an easy job.

Big hammer and a ball joint fork should be all you need providing you've got a decent socket set and spanners .

Also, have you checked the top mount on your shocks? Unless you can feel visible play in the ball joint I can't see this been your knocking issue.

 

[Ed Hodson]

Have you checked your outer anti-roll bar bushes? It’s worth replacing them while you’re replacing the wishbones.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Yes, done the outers, and the track rod ends.

 

[1985michael182]

Rule of thumb is you should change any nuts and bolt that you remove from suspension components. Make sure you torque your pinch bolts correctly aswell as they are only a small bolt and snap easily if over tightened

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Having been levering various bits around with a big pry bar, i think there is a small amount of movement in the driver's side top mount.
Why aren't the top mounts bolted to the car? Bloody french design....

 

[botfch]

Stops vibration and cheaper to maintain than a spherical bearing.

 

[1985michael182]

Buy some solid ones, they always rattle no matter how new they are lol

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Buy some solid ones, they always rattle no matter how new they are lol

Ha! You're not the first that's told me that.