dreaded ball joint threaded pin question

rrichar · 01-31-2011, 05:41 PM

I have read several of the posts regarding the different sizes/tapers of the ball joint threaded pins. Have we come a conclusion as to what is and isn't acceptable? I am in the process of installing mine to find out that I have a set of new pins that do not go all the way in and upon looking at them they appear to be the kind that others have been complaining about a few years ago. I just got these from my, a well know/thought of Pelican contributor, supplier only a few months ago. Are the ones that look like the one on the right of this picture acceptable or not? If I get one from Pelican OEM today or from Porsche are they going to be like the original ones or all the ones currently available going to be like the one on the right? When installed they still have about 4-5mm to go before being flush. There doesn't appear to be enough threads to properly use the self locking nut. I never found a post that came to a final conclusion about these pins. I would have thought any bad ones would have been used up by now as it seemed the problem ones were from a few years ago.

steely · 01-31-2011, 06:48 PM

Hi Rob,

Let me say that first I was a little alarmed at your post because i never heard of the issue of different pins - I was concerned especially since I am just now doing my front end (slowly). So I went to take a pic of the old pin and the new pin. I do not know if this answers your extant-inventory question, although it is a good one.

At least I will be able to tell you that the pin I got from Pelican looks to be the same form factor as the one I removed, which incidentally looks to resemble your old pin. I hope this at least answers one question you have. The part number I ordered was for an 87, but says it is good to '74. Again, I am not familiar with the issue, nor do I know if the one you have is for an earlier model.

I hope this helps

911-341-119-06-M260 Threaded Pin for Ball Joint Attachment, 911 (1974-89) Brand: OEM

KNS · 01-31-2011, 06:59 PM

I've purchased these pins from Pelican and from Porsche (this was early last year if I recall). Both pins look nearly identical and closer to the pin on the left of the picture you posted. The "cut" or wedge extends nearly 2/3rds of the way down the non-threaded portion of the pin unlike the pin on the right in your photo. I had no problem installing them.

Grady Clay · 02-01-2011, 02:17 AM

Guys,

Here is where the aftermarket wedge pin issue was resolved:
Double wedge bolt goes how far in?

I think the general consensus is to not use the ‘non-standard’ parts for the reasons in the thread.
Clearly some are still out there.
If you don’t have the two pins side-by-side, it is difficult to tell what you have.

These old images remind us how important it is to cover every bit of these parts (bores in struts, ball joint pin, wedge pin, washer and steel lock nut) with grease to prevent corrosion.

Best,
Grady