Ball joint covers

Post by **Defender110** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 1:19 pm

These could be usefull and not normally available seperately.

http://www.beal.org.uk/new-lines-2012/cat_100139.html

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 1:26 pm

there will be companys selling these now they are an MOT failure even if there is no play in the joint,

the only trouble is if the boot is split dirt and crap ca/will get into the joint, and just fitting a new boot/dust cover will trap the dirt in,

regards malcolm

B-Hive · Post by **B-Hive** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:45 am

citronut wrote:there will be companys selling these now they are an MOT failure even if there is no play in the joint,

the only trouble is if the boot is split dirt and crap can/will get into the joint, and just fitting a new boot/dust cover will trap the dirt in,

regards malcolm

As a matter of course I would always clean and regrease the joint...

I think the main problem would be refitting the spring on the bigger end..I have tried this and it is very tricky..think you need a special tool

Otherwise these little rubber boots will be great... does anyone know the sizes for the steering arm ball joint covers..??

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 9:41 am

2BXORNOT2BX wrote:
citronut wrote:there will be companys selling these now they are an MOT failure even if there is no play in the joint,

the only trouble is if the boot is split dirt and crap can/will get into the joint, and just fitting a new boot/dust cover will trap the dirt in,

regards malcolm
As a matter of course I would always clean and regrease the joint...

i dont personaly think you could get all the dirt and grit out of a swivel joint, unless it was a the old type you could dismantle,

2BXORNOT2BX wrote: I think the main problem would be refitting the spring on the bigger end..I have tried this and it is very tricky..think you need a special tool

yes these are fiddly but i find the they go on quite easy with two screw drivers help,

2BXORNOT2BX wrote: does anyone know the sizes for the steering arm ball joint covers..??

that will be the other problem getting the right size,

regards malcolm

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 10:46 am

All fine, but a new ball joint is only about £10 ad not exactly hard to change.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 10:47 am

I paid about that much for the last ball joint I bought through my local factor.

B-Hive · Post by **B-Hive** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 10:51 am

Roverman wrote:I paid about that much for the last ball joint I bought through my local factor.

not down here.. probably at least 30 quid equivalent to replace a steering arm/track rod..and do these new rubber boots come in fives or did i read it wrong??

Post by **mat_fenwick** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:50 pm

Kitch wrote:All fine, but a new ball joint is only about £10 ad not exactly hard to change.

True, but I've just replaced both front BJs on mine only due to split boots, which were the original 200k+ mile parts. They had no play, and I doubt whether the replacements will last anywhere near that long. Obviously, whether that matters or not depends on the future of the car, and most BXs are not destined to do high mileages any more.

Actually mine were a bugger to get off - took them into work where they have a bigger vice and ended up tearing that from the workbench. Took several minutes continuous force with an impact wrench to shock one of them loose!

Gibbo2286 · Post by **Gibbo2286** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 2:16 pm

There's some other stuff on that site that might interest bX owners, this for instance:

http://www.beal.org.uk/automotive/diese ... at_95.html

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:43 pm

mat_fenwick wrote:
Kitch wrote:All fine, but a new ball joint is only about £10 ad not exactly hard to change.
True, but I've just replaced both front BJs on mine only due to split boots, which were the original 200k+ mile parts. They had no play, and I doubt whether the replacements will last anywhere near that long. Obviously, whether that matters or not depends on the future of the car, and most BXs are not destined to do high mileages any more.

Actually mine were a bugger to get off - took them into work where they have a bigger vice and ended up tearing that from the workbench. Took several minutes continuous force with an impact wrench to shock one of them loose!

Mate, I know you pretty well and you're no fool. But 200k on original ball joints?

Post by **mat_fenwick** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:29 pm

Well, put it another way I've had it since 97k miles and there was nothing in the service history about them having been changed. Plus they didn't look recent when I bought it (had to change a driveshaft straight away and the nut was a PITA to undo). Also, they still have the (what's left of them!) heat shields, which always seem to get binned/forgotten on replacement.

So probably original?

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:25 pm

I'd say unlikely, but then you never know

Post by **Defender110** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:14 pm

Roverman wrote:I paid about that much for the last ball joint I bought through my local factor.

What £7.95 for 5 or £13.90 for 10

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 10:52 pm

Defender110 wrote:
Roverman wrote:I paid about that much for the last ball joint I bought through my local factor.
What £7.95 for 5 or £13.90 for 10

Ok so you might save a few quid, but I'm with Tim....I'd always buy the new joint. If you've split a boot then who knows how much grease has leaked out or moisture and grit got in, and for how long.
So you save £40 - the components that suspend my car's body from the ground are more important than the brakes. If it was a servicable part that costs £100+ new then perhaps, but for the sake of £7.99 or whatever it's hardly worth it, to me anyway. Others may think different.

FWIW the BX balljoints are the same as Peugeot 405, and Sealey do (or did) the correct impact socket for them.

Post by **Defender110** » Sun Apr 15, 2012 10:42 am

I didn't post the link to help people to save a few quid, I posted it as I thought having a bag of 10 assorted sizes for a quick fix of bottom ball joints , track rod ends etc. for parts that may well become obsolete might well be a good idea and usefull to a few enthusiasts.

I have accidntally split ball joint covers when removing ball joints to do other repairs so personally think this link will be usefull.