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MG MGF Technical - Upper Ball Joint - Removal

Hiya, just had a very frustrating day working on Scarlet, check out the latest rebuild gallery on the SOS site:

>> http://www.sfforever.co.uk <<

Must've tried just about everything to get this out, what do you guys reckon - is there a technique to it? Or is it knackered (get a new hub).

SF
Scarlet Fever

SF,
Changed mine last week.I used a blow torch to heat up and expand the hub around the ball joint thread,then two pairs of 18" stilsons(monkey wrench).I must remember to take some pictures next time.
Hope this helps.
Mark
M Rees

I love working on cars.

Except when something doesn't go to plan.

Which is just about always.

Frustrating that we didn't get any further Andy. Mark, we thought of using heat to expand the hub, but sadly we don't have access to an oxy-acetylene torch :o(

I recall that Tech-speed managed to sort the upper ball joints on my car as part of it's "pre-season" inspection - certainly no recourse to a flame was needed, which makes me wonder if:
a) we're missing something simple or
b) the thread has been damaged in the impact of the accident...?
Rob Bell

<Mark, we thought of using heat to expand the hub, but sadly we don't have access to an oxy-acetylene>

Rob,
A simple butane blow torch should do the trick. A trip to the local DIY store, or borrow one from your friendly plumber or painter & decorator.
Mark.
M Rees

Hi all,
an old "trick´s of the trade " : Take 2 equal sized hammers and with one in each hand hit exactly at the same time but 180 deg. apart around the thread (or in other cases around the conical ball joint outer ). The relief when conical seats of ball-joints just fall out as well as stubborn nuts /bolts loosen is just as big every time this stunt is performed.
Just remember,as in any fight - better one hughe blow than several small ones...

BR, carl.
Carl Blom

Thanks for the advice guys - let's see what Andy wants to do with this stubborn hub. :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 01/06/2003 and 03/06/2003

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