Ball Joint prices does price ever correlate with Quality?
#1
Ball Joint prices does price ever correlate with Quality?
Well I've started the front end rebuild that many of you were kind enough to comment on last week.
Replaced tie rods today (inner and outer). One note on that - i found you do not need the special tie rod tool to unscrew the inner. It is actually much easier to use an adjustable wrench.
Next I will replace the upper and then lower ball joints. I started pricing them out. The range is pretty big. Brands differ but the same lower ball joint costs $65 in 1 or 2 places and $19 in others.
This is new for me so I'm flying blind. In your experience is there noticeable quality differences based on price for ball joints?
I know you can only generalize, but I figured some of you who have experience may know. What are the odds I'll get a good ball joint at the lower price?
Thanks for weighing in. If there is likely to be a difference I'll buy the more expensive ones. If not I'll save money.
John
Replaced tie rods today (inner and outer). One note on that - i found you do not need the special tie rod tool to unscrew the inner. It is actually much easier to use an adjustable wrench.
Next I will replace the upper and then lower ball joints. I started pricing them out. The range is pretty big. Brands differ but the same lower ball joint costs $65 in 1 or 2 places and $19 in others.
This is new for me so I'm flying blind. In your experience is there noticeable quality differences based on price for ball joints?
I know you can only generalize, but I figured some of you who have experience may know. What are the odds I'll get a good ball joint at the lower price?
Thanks for weighing in. If there is likely to be a difference I'll buy the more expensive ones. If not I'll save money.
John
#2
Well that is good to know. When I did my S-Type I had to use the tool but also wanted to provide the proper torque and used the red loctite to keep it in place. You asked about the ball joints and I would say not all are the same. I recently replaced a ball joint with a Moog ball joint. It seems they have a good reputation.
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Johnken (01-01-2017)
#3
I found the same on the inner Tier rod. When I did the inner tie rod, I was mad when I found removing the boot was so easy, because when I rebuilt the lower wishbones, getting the rear bolt past the tie rod boot was tough... If I had known it only took a couple seconds to undue the boot, I would have just done that.
I would say the $19 ball joint is a closeout on the $65 ball joint. I paid $25 for my lowers an they were identical to the ones I removed.
About a month after I did Mine, February '16, I couldn't find $25 ball joints any where and they were all $65.
Buying the ball joint is the easy part. Getting the old one out and the new one in is fun.
I would say the $19 ball joint is a closeout on the $65 ball joint. I paid $25 for my lowers an they were identical to the ones I removed.
About a month after I did Mine, February '16, I couldn't find $25 ball joints any where and they were all $65.
Buying the ball joint is the easy part. Getting the old one out and the new one in is fun.
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Johnken (01-01-2017)
#5
I would agree about the dubious quality of the balljoints from British parts. I changed all of the rubber bushes and ball joints/drop links in a kit from BP ,after about 8 months all of the rubber boots were cracked. I complained and got replacements, on fitting the new droplinks, the rubber on the old ones just fell apart. So I cant vouch for the more expensive replacements, only the cheaper ones that BP sell and they are c**p
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Johnken (01-02-2017)
#6
Thanks guys.
1) Good point from Gus - looks like you may need the ride rod tool to measure torque. Ttytt the were in with low torque, just "snug" . I was comfortable not using a torque Guage to reassemble. It's up to you.
2)) loved the video RD. I think I will just buy Moog and install them.
I appreciate the input. Thanks, John
1) Good point from Gus - looks like you may need the ride rod tool to measure torque. Ttytt the were in with low torque, just "snug" . I was comfortable not using a torque Guage to reassemble. It's up to you.
2)) loved the video RD. I think I will just buy Moog and install them.
I appreciate the input. Thanks, John