BX MOT Fail

tricky ricky · Unread post by **tricky ricky** » 17 Jul 2007, 11:27

My Bx has just failed on the suspension arm ball joint. My question is, how easy is it to replace this, does the ball joint unscrew easily?. If I do the job, I will buy the correct socket for removing the ball joint.

The MOT garage quoted £70+VAT to do this

Thanks

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 17 Jul 2007, 13:29

You'll find a number of peoples experiences of doing this job listed on here.

The special tool is unlikely to undo the joint. The general way seems to be to remove the hub - then find the locking tabs and make sure they are out of the way then undo it with a blunt punch. Heat may be needed.

The special tool may be used for tightening.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 17 Jul 2007, 15:31

I have had luck on a number of occasions, removing the joint with the special socket.

But only when doing what Jeremy writes.

To summarise :
1) remove hub from vehicle (save the joint bolt and nut against damage)
2) remove the joint protector plate (new one is only some £4, and same for Xantia)
3) undo the bent down lugs
4) fit the special socket, and fix it by the joint stub bolt and nut
5) fit a 35mm socket over the special sockets hex drive.
6) be sure the hub is FIRMLY fixed, then use a torque extender bar on your 3/4" T-bar

Alternatively bring the hub and tools to a workshop with a heavy duty 3/4" inch drive air-impact driver tool. Ask them to be patient and hold the tool on for at least 2minute periods, in several tries.
Making a scratchmark tells you when the joint starts moving - and eases your patience

I do NOT recommand to heat the joint, as the ball bolt of the joint most likely shoots out like a riffle bullet BIG caliper

(Ask me how I know that

)

It really is d@@@ tight

tricky ricky · Unread post by **tricky ricky** » 17 Jul 2007, 17:01

Hi Guys.

Thanks for the input.

After speaking to a few people and doing a search on the forum, I think it's best for someone to do this. A local Cit specialist will take £45 for this. Possibly money well spent.

I'll leave it until early next week, as I need the car for the weekend and cannot risk any mishaps!

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 17 Jul 2007, 20:13

I've done it once on a Xantia and I can confirm what a job it is.

I managed it Ok but only because I have a massive old blacksmiths vice in my garage that will hold a complete hub and even them I nearly pulled the bench it is attached to over

Another case of the BoL making it sound so easy

If you have to purchase the special socket, £45 to have it done is a seriously good deal

bxbodger · Unread post by **bxbodger** » 18 Jul 2007, 00:35

The special tool is pretty cheap, only a few quid,but useless for removing a joint that's been there a few years -it's good for putting the new joint in, however..

What causes difficulty getting them out is not corrosion of the threads, but corrosion of the collar of the balljoint socket where it meets the hub carrier. Some people have got them off in situ, I never have, and I'd say cut your losses, remove the hub carrier from the car and stick it straight in the vice, it makes it a whole lot easier.

To do mine, I've cut the majority of the old balljoint straight off with a grinder, as close to the hub as I could get which made it dead easy to shift the remains with a chisel once the locktabs had been bent back. The heat from the grinder helps when there's locking compound in the threads, as I found in mine.

It's not a particularly hard job, just one that makes you hot and sweaty and curse a lot......

tricky ricky · Unread post by **tricky ricky** » 18 Jul 2007, 21:28

Hi guys.

Car is going in on Monday. I would have gone down the route of removing the hub carrier if I had a little more time (i'm away all this weekend) and had a vice more suited to the task!!!

Excuses excuses