Fast Marina Magazine

Hello

I'm relatively new to Marina repair and maintenance. I'll be replacing the upper ball joints on my 1.8 SDL in the next few weeks and wondered if anyone had notes of guidance, or tips that might help me.

In paticular I'd appreciate any advice on torque settings. I'm using a QH repair kit, and the instructions suggest using a 12" long spanner to set the correct torque when tightening the reaction pad. Is this an acceptable alternative to the using crowfoot adaptors (with wrench) as recommended in the haynes manual?

Rob

I don't have them to hand but the Haynes manual lists all the torque settings you'll need for this and most other work you are likely to do your car

Haynes manuals are plentiful on Ebay, both used and new old stock.

There are other brands which some people prefer.

Make sure that you get the right manual - they vary by year, model and engine size.

Hi Rob
I agree with eloues on this one,I worked on Marinas in a BL main dealer from introduction on, and untill I read the Haynes manual I never realised there was a special tool as all the training we were given was to set the upper ball joints up the same as the ball joints on a mini and that is to tighten the nuts up tight enough as to give no end float but slack enough to give even articulation of the pin without any obvious tight spots.After over 30 years of this method I have not had 1 failure and have not heard of any other.I hope this proves helpful, if you experience any problems p.m. me
Steve

i also agree.it is all down to touch.if you can push the pin back and forwards with one finger that is enough.funnily enough i still have the proper churchill tool for adjusting them. it is a churchill tool.if you get hold of a factory manual special tools are listed at the back. mine was "acquired " from the post office. before you fit your new balljont run a shallow v shaped groove on the ball to allow grease to pass........larry