Help on rear ball joint

[Brett1066]

Hi all, I want to replace my rear ball joint, but something doesn't quite seem right, looking under my bus (1994 110 300tdi) it looks different to most of the other pics I have seen in threads about replacing the BJ - ie the housing on the top of the axle. What am I missing? Is this a different set up and what do I have to do, and more importantly, is the replacement BJ the wrong one? I was under the impression (probably wrongly)that there was only one type for all defenders....:confused:
Have attached some pics, of the new BJ, a top view and a side view.
Any advice greatly appreciated - even if it is a case of pointing out that my eyes are painted on and I have missed something bleeding obvious......:wallbash:
Thanks in advance
Brett

[sierrafery]

Hi, IMO the difference is that your's is fitted originally with the "simple' ball joint like this http://www.brit-car.co.uk/product.php/241812/5497/a_frame_ball_joint_defender___discovery_1___range_ rover_classic and the new you've got is adjustable: this one http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/aframe-ball-joint-adjustable-anr1799a-anr1799s-rhf500110-p-5190.html ... no worries it will fit, and it will be adjustable too ;)

[Brett1066]

Thanks for that sierra, was worried I'd bought the wrong one somehow. Now I get to look forward to changing it out...

[BigJon]

Now I get to look forward to changing it out...

I hope you have an angle grinder, big hammer and press.

[Brett1066]

Yeah have an angle grinder and a big hammer at home, and have access to a 100ton press at work, so should be right...I hope. :D
Got the day off work on Monday so think I shall attempt it then. Have done a bit of reading up on it so have an idea of what I'm in for.:eek:

[loanrangie]

One of the worst jobs to do on a landy, unbolt the piece with the bj from the A arms and dont remove the whole unit unless you are doing the bushes as well.

[350RRC]

The first time I replaced the BJ it was indeed a nightmare.

The new system is:

1. Undo the nut holding the BJ to the diff housing.

2. Remove the bracket holding the BJ from the upper trailing arms by removing the two bolts. Remove the two bolts holding the BJ into the bracket.

3. Carefully cut the top (or bottom, can't remember which) off the BJ with an angle grinder. (adjustable ones just need the cap unscrewed). Remove the ball part.

4. Using a long (Bosch) metal blade in a jigsaw carefully cut through the side of the BJ shell from inside to out. The blade will grab at the end due to the tension.

5. Tap the shell out of the bracket.

6. Lubricate the new BJ and bracket hole, line up BJ in position and start the two bolts either side. Pressure from a normal bench vice is usually enough to seat the BJ as you do up the bolts IME.

7. Reverse 2 & 1 above and you're done.

cheers, DL

[Don 130]

I recently did mine and followed this: instructions here. It was a job, as I did the bushes as well. I found the video to be spot on advise. The only cutting I did, was the bolts that go through the bushes.
These instructions (http://lowrangers.org/index.php'topic=2081.0)are also good as they provide the part numbers for the replacement bolts, nut etc.
Don.

[Roverlord off road spares]

Hi Brett, looking at the pic of the ball joint is that the one you got with the adjustable?.
I fitted one to my old D1 and found I spent heaps of time adjusting the damn thing as it would go slack. I ended up throwing the useless thing away and fitting a normal non adjustable one and had many happy KMs
Regards,
Mario

[Brett1066]

Didn't end up changing the ball joint yesterday as I decided I really should change out the bushes on the A-frame at the same time, which I don't have. So will be ordering these in the next day or two. Was thinking of also holding off until I get a press at home, whilst I have access to one at work, it just drags things out having to bring parts into work and take them home again, would rather be able to do what I need at home. Also realised yesterday I need to get some metal blades for my jigsaw, and some thin cutting discs for the angle grinder, so look like this job will be on hold for a little while at least.

[Leo109]

Hi Brett,

When I changed mine quite a few years ago, I thought that the open top of the bracket encouraged dirt and water to get in and rust it in hard, making it more difficult to get it out when the time came. So I sealed around the top of the new joint with silicone. I haven't needed to change it again, so I don't know if will help.

If was to try one of the adjustable types, I'd definitely seal the adjustment screw top area with silicone or Sikaflex etc. to stop dust and water entry.

[350RRC]

Didn't end up changing the ball joint yesterday as I decided I really should change out the bushes on the A-frame at the same time, which I don't have. So will be ordering these in the next day or two. Was thinking of also holding off until I get a press at home, whilst I have access to one at work, it just drags things out having to bring parts into work and take them home again, would rather be able to do what I need at home. Also realised yesterday I need to get some metal blades for my jigsaw, and some thin cutting discs for the angle grinder, so look like this job will be on hold for a little while at least.

I've done the last two without a press and the jigsaw blades are about 120mm long, Bosch and only generally available from trade places.

Use all Superpro bushes, buy them from Paddock spares, get the whole set......... half the price of what they cost here, even though Oz is where they're made.

cheers, DL