Bushes & ball joints / steering overhaul

[Orkney]

Well finally have the brakes sorted now want to go through the bushes and ball joints - it pulls a bit to left on a straight road and subsequently when you brake thats exaggerated.
No point in getting the tracking done yet until bushes and ball joints replaced - its been poor work done - again like the brakes replacing single joints - evident as one side had grease nipple other does not.

So what do I need to order to get it sorted? any recommendations ?

[bmcecosse]

The only 'ball joints' are inside the steering rack - and the track rod end. Otherwise the Minor swivels it's font suspension on threaded uprights. Pulling to one side when driving could be general suspension misalignment - or perhaps bent tie-rod. best to get it tracked up - and check the tie-rods and their mountings carefully.

[Orkney]

Ahh that was them- track rod ends not ball joints
Tie rods look good, just the rubber bits looks as if they have seen better days.
Could very well be that the suspension might be tired on one side but thought have a go at the moving perishable parts before getting it to the garage to check the tracking and brakes for final adjustment.

[rayofleamington]

pulling to one side can also be tyres, brake cylinders, brake drums, brake linings, brake return springs - or general lack of use that may wear off

Certainly if the linings are past their best or very old (the riveted type are likely to be >20 years old) then replace them. If cylinders are rusted or sticky, again replace them.
Drums can make a fair bit of difference - a heavily worn drum has a much lower heat capacity therefore the brakes will fade aout a lot quicker.
It's not unknown for brakes to start pulling badly after a long drive - that can be caused by shoes not returning properly - the drag causes overheating and it's pretty scary if one of your front brakes stops working!

I completely agree not to mess with tracking until you've rebushed the front end. The normal 'black rubber' bushes can sometimes be completely unfit for purpose Therefore it's safer to go for a good quality poly bush. These don't have to be very hard (the hard ones are not to everyone's tastes!) but they are less likely to be worn through in under a year unlike the *standard ones .


(* standard bushes were very good quality - the ones that get called standard these days can be a completely different animal)