Eyebolt - groove on inside

[GavinL]

So I think I've worked out why there was play and knocking in my front suspension, as can be seen from the fulcrum pin and bushes below. However my question is that there appears to be a groove on the inside of the eyebolt in line with the 'lubrication ?' hole, is this correct, or is this due to wear?

[philthehill]

The hole in the eye bolt into which the bushes fit should be absolutely round.
There is no lubrication groove/hole in an eye bolt - the rubbers just fit into the eyebolt and that is all there is to it.
From the picture above I would suggest that you need a new pin and bushes (poly bushes preferably).
Poly bushes can be lubricated with red or white grease when fitting and if you really want to go to town you can fit a grease nipple to the underside of the new eyebolt.
If there is as you suggest a groove in the inside of the eye I would recommend that you replace the eye bolt.
Only finally tighten everything up when the car is back on the ground and the suspension is subject to the weight of the car.

[RobThomas]

The lube hole may actually be where the Lathe centre held the eyebolt during manufacture?

[philthehill]

Rob
I suspect that you are right as the machine centre does look like a lube hole but of course it does not go right through.
The ones currently fitted to the Minor do have the machine centre and they are genuine BMC.
I do have some eye bolts without the machine centre but they were obtained S/H so cannot confirm source/manufacturer.
Phil

[GavinL]

Thanks for the responses. I suspected the groove was wear but wanted to check. I'd seen the comment re a grease nipple before, and assume it is used to introduce silicon grease rather than petroleum based grease, or does it not matter with poly bushes?

[philthehill]

So long as you use red or white grease you will be ok.

[GavinL]

So, I got the eyebolt off this evening, and what I had thought was a groove was just a build up of rubber crud. The eyebolt appears ok, but so I can be sure can anyone please confirm the Internal diameter of a new eyebolt. Thanks.

[philthehill]

The internal diameter of the eye bolt eye is 7/8".

[GavinL]

Thanks Phil, I'll check it with a piece of 7/8 bar this evening.

[les]

The usual wear that takes place is a rounded channel, made by the pin, running the length of the eye.

[philthehill]

Just remember that a 7/8" round bar will not go into a 7/8" round hole unless the hole is worn to above 7/8".