Defender Rear "A" frame Ball

[inken_dave]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any good brand recommendations for a replacement "A" frame ball joint, found on my Defender 110 1997?

I'm tired of replacing this ball joint every 12-18 months. The last unit was an adjustable one, and every four months it needs adjusting, but just coming back from holidays, the adjuster has now popped past the threads and is about to let go!

I do use the truck a lot, and it is driven on dirt roads and has water crossings, and it tows a larger boat when on holidays.

However, I maintain the truck very well, and drive sympathetically. The rest of the mechanicals seem to hold up. I’m just not convinced that this unit should wear so quickly!

If there are any proper “Heavy Duty” brands out there I’d appreciated for any feedback!
Thanks!

[justinc]

Lemforder.

JC

[inken_dave]

Thanks Justin! Appreciate the name.

[inside]

Could the rear A frame bushes be accelerating the wear? Maybe worth checking them.

[rick130]

Which brand were you using ?

As JC suggested, the Lemforder ones are pretty long lived.
Mine lasted over 250,00km before play really became noticeable.

Having said that, I installed an adjustable Bearmach one a few months back on my 130 and made it greasable too.
The build quality was good and it has a very good range of movement.

[ugu80]

Can't complain about my greasable Maxidrive unit.

[uninformed]

I would guess that if your doing one every 12-18 months then something is wrong other than the ball joint

Im happy with my Maxidrive one from M R Automotive, but as others have mentioned, they are happy with other brands....

[inken_dave]

Thanks! I've had the greasable, and the adjustable. I'm thinking that the 2" lift kit may be the contributor as the A-frame bushes etc are all good.

Perhaps with the articulation on its limits the extra height is stressing the ball joint. I've requested a quote from MR Automotive for the extended version.

This may be the answer?

[rick130]

Something's odd.

Mine used to cop at least two river crossings every day for the first five years of ownership, as well as 12km minimum rough dirt, etc, etc.

Any idea on what brand you've been using ?

Quality can vary a fair bit with different parts, and some suspension bits are made in India these days with English sounding names.
Not trying to diss our subcontinental cousins, but some of their metallurgy and QC is a bit sus.

Having said that I've used some Indian engine and g/box mounts (I didn't realise they were until the parts turned up) and they've lasted at least as long as the original bits.

[POD]

I remember seeing an original one flogged out in less than 10,000km on one of the early tdi 110 utes. Maxidrive replacements were adjustable, greasable and had very good metallurgy- outlasted the rest of the vehicle on my 88 Rangie, did at least 200,000km. I didn't think they were still obtainable.