Top trunnion replacement tips please...lower too

Post by **Finn** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:38 pm

So there I was...reversing on full lock in a carpark - when the Lh wheel folded under the car.

Anway, seems to be no damage - and I have just aquired new top and lower trunions which I aim to fit this weekend.

Would appreciate any tips on fitting & 'what to watch out for' as I clearly don't know 'my trunions' - so to speak. For example, spanner sizes...

Thanks

Finn

Post by **Chris Morley** » Thu Nov 25, 2004 12:58 am

Thankfully the collapses tend to happen when turning sharply rather than at high speed. Have a look in the 'Useful Tips' section (about 10 down) for the post about spanner / nut sizes. I've only done a top trunnion but it was relatively simple once the damper lever arm was prised off the spline.

The club has a fairly comprehensive page on trunnion replacement (available to non-members as well!).

See: http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/technica ... nions.html

Post by **Finn** » Thu Nov 25, 2004 7:02 am

Thanks Chris - will check out suggested.

Finn

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu Nov 25, 2004 9:59 am

You are probably wasting a lot of time and effort by just doing the trunnions.
If the suspension has collapsed this is usually due to lack of essential maintenance (greasing every 3000 miles / 3 months). The threads on the suspension upright will surely be heavily worn and changing the trunnion is then just a temporary bodge.

The trunnion threads are meant to be an equal square shape, so if you change 1 part not both then if may feel firm after assembly but the load will be just on the tips of the thread corners, not on the flanks and the whole thing will wear away are a very high rate.
Unless the threads on the suspesion upright (kingpin) are very good and still nice and square, then you need to replace the complete upright and the trunions at the same time.

(Trust me - I've been there when I was younger and I learnt the hard way)

Post by **Peetee** » Thu Nov 25, 2004 11:52 am

The best tip I can give is (assuming you have the time) spray all the nuts with Plus Gas and leave it for a few hours. repeat the process and then you can make a start on dissassembly. When the leg has become detatched it can be a heck of a job getting the required leverage on the nuts to release them even when they are clean.

Post by **Finn** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:52 pm

Plus gas it is then!...and thanks Ray for tip - I aim to replace kningpin as well. If it ever sounds as if I am a novice as far as MM's and car repair are concerned - it's because I am...so thanks for help one and all.

Cheers

Finn

Post by **Peetee** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:44 pm

Bull Motif do a good deal on complete kingpin and trunnion assemblies.
If you can, go the extra expence and get the steering arms too. They are an interference fit and THE WORST componant to free if they have been there too long.

Post by **Willie** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 8:15 pm

I must agree with RAYO, under no circumstances change only the
trunnions, change everything! It will involve complete disassembly
of the front suspension so you MUST have a workshop manual to hand.
Take great care when you release the power of the torsion bar sus-
pension. As mentioned you will have an awful job trying to remove
the steering levers unless you have a large vice,a large hammer, and
probably a gas torch as well!! Far easier to buy the assemblies from
Bull Motif which include the arms already fitted.

Post by **Cam** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:43 am

When I ordered uprights & trunnions (and tried to order steering arms) from Bull Motif they said they did not sell the steering arms (early this year) so I ordered them separately from ESM. I think they were around £13 each.

Post by **Willie** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 2:13 pm

That's a surprise CAM as they were regularly advertising that they
supplied the swivels with the steering arms already fitted! Either
they have stopped doing so or they meant that they do not sell
them separately??

Post by **Cam** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:08 pm

Willie,

Yes it was a surprise to me too when I came to order them!!

I can't see them saying they did not sell them separately as I wanted the whole thing...... but no.