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BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Hi i think my lower arm bushes are on their way out and might need some for the mot. I will find out on saturday.
I did see a post here about drilling out the bush that connects the arm to the hub ( i dont know the correct name) but i cant find it. Could some put a link to the post please. The guy said something about trying 2 different types, 1 being better thatn the other. would be cheaper that buying whole arms and easier in the future to replace, once i have done them once.
Thanks in advance
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

john 33_16v · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Do you mean the balljoint?

If so you can get replacements, drill out the rivets, and fit little bolts with nyloc nuts.

The arms complete with balljoint and 2 bushes (footwell and arms join) were still available from AR last winter for £82 each!

Balljoints will need to have quite alot of play or have the rubber boot mullard to fail an mot. If when you go over a pothole/ bump you get a horrid bang they are on their way out. If you get a clonk on braking or the steering wanders, they are relly knackered and dangerous.

Hope that helps.

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
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93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Thats what i mean "the ball joints" and yup i want to drill mine out and fit replacements, instead of replacing whole arm.
I only want the replacement item, as arm is in ok condition and i have powerflex bushes all round. Mine are on the way out, no steering drift but slight knocking over some bumps / holes, would rather replace even if they pass mot.
Still cant find that post searching "balljoint", the guy posted some pictures, he said that 1 type were rubbish and the other were good. I dont want to order the rubish ones.
Thanks
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

gritsop · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:20 pm Post subject:

Hi,

I have had the ball joints replaced twice in the 16 years of the car's life. The first set was of the MOOG brand and one of the two failed prematurely within 1.5 year. I could hear metal sounds from the suspension during sudden braking, so I removed them and found one of the two being rather loose and having a little play. So I tried a set of TRW ball joints and it is almost a year now since fitted and the ball joints are tight like new.

So I recommend to try TRW. They cost no more than 40 € each.

Hope this helps,

Regards
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Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Thanks gritsop.
Was it you that posted this info in the first place? with pictures? I couldnt find the post under your name. If not, who was it, im curious now.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

gritsop · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 10:39 pm Post subject:

Hi,

I think I have reffered to this topic somewhere in the past. I have an article on Bobbbers site under front suspension maintenance mentioning about MOOG ball joints.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

thanks, that was the place i saw it. I will see about ordering some TRW JBJ101's tomorrow and see if i can pick up spme spare arms from paul, do the work off the car and then swap.
_________________
x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

I haven’t had a chance to change them due to emissions, exhaust and then my electrics. I noticed that the tops of my front struts have failed in the usual place, under the top metal plate, where the rubber has forced its way through and nearly come out when the wing is pushed.
Could this cause the feeling of a failing ball joint? Symptoms are, when cornering, if you hit a bump there is a knock and car bumps in the direction of the outside of the corner.
_________________
x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

gritsop · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 10:23 am Post subject:

Hi,

Have you removed the strut and taken it apart to see which parts have failed?

Is your suspension the 4 nut strut or the later series upward rotation setup?

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

BigAl · P4 Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 2995 Location: U.K Surrey

Its the 4 nut type, no need to take it apart as you can see where its almost pushing through, ill take a pic and post it up.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203