Wishbone Play

jamiemacp · Post by **jamiemacp** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:04 pm

Hi All,

Have staryed getting some knocking from both fron wheels areas when driving over bumps etc, so took wheels off for a look and have noticed that the joint (balljoint on the outside of the wishbone (below hub) has some play in it on both sides of the car.
I have done a search on related topics and the only one I found seemed to suggest that the complete wishbone needs replaced to solve the problem, as you cannot buy the bslljoint on its one. This seems a bit strange when there are so many bongos going around now, I would have thought this would start being a common problem.
Anyone any experience os similar issues and what the solution was?
Wishbone I noticed are about £150 each, so might be an expensive fix.
Especially as I think CV joint are on theri way out as well.
Cheers for any advice.

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:03 am

I had the same problem at last year's MOT and had to change both sides. As a result I authored the fact sheet in the members area. The balljoints are a push fit into wishbone/subframe so you have to buy the whole assembly. The £150 you quoted sounds a good price. I think I paid more than that from Bongobits, I understand that a Mazda dealer is the cheapest (shock horror).

robdrinky · Post by **robdrinky** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:09 pm

noticed these on ebay-no knowledge of the company or if the parts are any good but price is better than replacing the whole thing.item380000374493

Ralph · Post by **Ralph** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:34 pm

I have dealt with the company selling them and
they are OK no problems at all, but just how
you will get the old out and the new in I don't
know would imagine you would need a big press.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:23 pm

Yep, a big press - probably need a tonne or so to put it in. There'll be a corclip to keep it in too.

jamiemacp · Post by **jamiemacp** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:23 pm

Thanks for that.

I stay in Aberdeen and work for a large steel fabricator so we have some fairly large equipment, that may be able to exert the kind of pressure required. Thing I would worry about is setting it up so it doesnt cause any damage to the wishbone itslef.
Failing that, there must be companies that can take these things out. ie engineering firms etc.

Dandy, what is a corclip? thats not a term I know?

Cheers again for the replies.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:37 pm

Guessing he means a circlip

jamiemacp · Post by **jamiemacp** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:41 pm

Doh!!!!

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 10:02 pm

Sorry Jamie, getting my vowels mixed up

robdrinky · Post by **robdrinky** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:13 am

i have emailed the seller for information on what is required to install the ball joints,will pass on any response

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:27 am

Don't remember seeing a circlip when I replaced mine. Just pressed into place. Don't think I would fancy tackling the job as I would no doubt knacker the balljoint.

robdrinky · Post by **robdrinky** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:30 pm

response from auto jap spares-press or vice socket to press the joint in and out.umm.dont think anything i have would be up to that

jamiemacp · Post by **jamiemacp** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:56 pm

Had a good stroke of luck today when speaking to our head machanic at work. He maintians our fleet of site vehicles and reckons he would be able push out old and push in new ball joints no problem with gear they have in workshop.
Thanks for all the help so far, I was nearly paying for 2 complete wishbones.

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:09 pm

You lucky sod!

Yes good move