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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Alameda CA
Posts: 78
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Front Suspension - Ball Joints
My front suspension project is just about finished but I'm having trouble with the ball joints. I can't get the wedge pin all the way in so that it is flush with the strut. I've tired tightening the lock nut to pull the pin into place -- no dice. I've tried using a hammer/punch to push it into place -- no dice. Still has about 1/4" or so to go but it won't budge.
This is the case on both sides. Neither will seat properly. On the first one, I had the new insert in the strut when I attempted it. Thinking the new shock insert might be making it more difficult to line everything up (vertically) I tried the other side with an empty strut (no hub either) and still no luck. Prior to install I tested the pin into the strut on the bench and it fit just fine. Add the ball joint to the mix and its a no-go. The wedge pins were a major pain to remove, but I didn't think it would be the same thing on the install. What am I doing wrong?
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'96 Coupe - Arena Red |
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02-04-2002, 10:09 AM
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: TX USA
Posts: 9,804
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The rotational alignment of the ball-joint stud in the strut housing is highly critical to permit the wedge-pin to seat fully. I have also found that coating the ball-joint stud and the wedge-pin with moly-grease helps the seating process -- which must be done BEFORE the nut on the wedge-pin is tightened! A large C-clamp with a strip of wood to protect the finish of the strut, and an 'impact' socket of 13 mm size over the threads of the wedge-pin ... can be used to seat the pin after application of the moly grease.
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Warren Hall, Jr. 1973 911S Targa ... 'Annie' 1968 340S Barracuda ... 'Rolling Thunder' Last edited by Early_S_Man; 02-04-2002 at 11:40 AM.. |
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02-04-2002, 11:38 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 230
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Just to add to Early-S-Man's reply.
The wedge stud is marked with a dimple to indicate the orientation of the stud in the hole. The stud should be installed with the dimple pointing towards the side with the brake rotor. You also need to verify that the ball joint itself is oriented properly. The V-notch that accepts the wedge should open out toward the rotor side also. You may need to rotate the ball joint or strut to ensure proper alignment. Rick 
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Rick Katigbak Gretchen - 1972 3.6 ST-Replica No Name - 1966 911 - 2.7S powered |
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02-04-2002, 12:00 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Alameda CA
Posts: 78
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Warren - regarding the rotational alignment, got it as close as possible prior to inserting the wedge bolt. Then, while pressing in the bolt, I was rotating the strut housing back and forth just enough to take up any slack. This appeared to line everything up appropriately.
Went the C-clamp route last night and found that I need a larger size. Will try again tonight.....
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'96 Coupe - Arena Red |
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02-05-2002, 06:34 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 85
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Ball Joints
I just replaced mine also. Used aftermarket ball joints. Pin did not fit properly. Replaced one with OEM part, and pin fit perfectly.
Michael |
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02-09-2002, 04:25 PM
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