Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Guys,

The removal/rebuilding of the front suspension progresses.

I've managed to loosen all the required nuts and bolts but I'm having a problem detatching the steering arm ball joint.

I've undone the nut a couple of turns as suggested in the manuals and "clubbed" the end with a hammer in order to "break" the taper. However, there is no movement of said ball joint.

Any suggestions?

Regards

John

You will need to undo the nut more than a couple of turns. Undo it until it has a couple of threads left and watch that the ball joint itsself isn't just turning you may need to use some grips to hold this. You then need a ball joint splitter and this will help you to separate the joint taper ann the ball joint should come out then undo the nut the rest of the way. If it is really seized up you could soak it in plus gas and leave it for an hour or so and try again. If you haven't already might be best to order up some new ball joints

Never club the joint on the end of the thread, just asking to damage it! To break the taper without a balljoint splitter, undo nut as JT suggests, then with a suitable drift ( something steel, about 1" dia by however long) and a decent weight hammer, whack the arm end on (ie at 90 degrees to the joint shank) This will "pop" the taper. I used this method for years before finally springing £8 for a screw type splitter at a tool sale!

A ball joint splitter is the best way to go - but it can sometimes(but not always) be popped by hitting with TWO heavy hammers - one on each side of the joint - and NEVER on the threaded end! It helps if an assistant can maintain a steady and heavy force on the joint with a crow bar while the hitting is taking place. Be sure to keep your thumbs out of the way![frame][/frame]

Hello John,

as mentioned in your other thread, whatever type of ball joint splitter you get tends to destroy the boot so new ball joints will be required. The other, but similar method to LA's is two decent hammers and whack the steering arm where the pin goes through from both side simultaneously. It does take a little bit of co ordination but does work and doesn't destroy the boot.

Alec