Monday, December 22, 2008 - 01:26 pm, by: Ben Hesketh(Benzo)
Hey guys, I'm in need of some advice in regards to rebuilding ball joints. I had the Pedder's suspension test run on my Uz31 today, which confirmed my suspicion that the both ball joints on my LCAs were stuffed. The guy there was very helpful and said that they can rebuild the ball joints for $140 each. I can get two LCAs for $220 2nd hand, which works out cheaper, but I didn't realise I wouldn't be able to swap my newly installed VFT LCA bushes into the replacement arms; as they get destroyed when removed!
So my question really is: Is it worth rebuilding the ball joints and keeping my VFT bushes? Or is it dodgy practice to rebuild them?
Also, the stabiliser links need replacing ($104 for two) as does the swaybar bush ($21, which would be a urethane one. Does this seem reasonable?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 12:02 pm, by: Ben Hesketh(Benzo)
Ok, I'll try source them from somewhere else, cheers.
Anybody got any thoughts on rebuilding the ball joints though? The guy at Pedders said they essentially pour a liquid into the joints which sets and does the job of the rubber that used to be inside the joint. Seems reasonable but I'd never heard of anyone else doing that on this site, so figured I'd get some opinion on it.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 03:13 pm, by: Michael Long(Longy)
this is the first i have heard of ball joints being repaired, i know they cant be replaced easily (ie. they cant be pressed out. thus the only way was to get new LCAs (go supra if no airbags as i have heard they are cheaper) but then you still have your bush problem. i guess you will just have to be the first to test what the pedders man plans to do.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 03:43 pm, by: Mark Donovan(Mark_donovan)
a few months ago, i went with getting a new right LCA, and am now left with my original LCA with 18 mth old Vlamos bushes in them. I intend to replace the ball joint and then sell the whole arm to another Soarer enthusiast.
If anyone is keen on buying this, PM me and I will get onto getting it sorted more quickly.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 04:21 pm, by: Ben Hesketh(Benzo)
Hmmm I am leaning towards getting the ball joints rebuilt, the idea of wasting $350 odd bucks on the VFT bushes would piss me off. I'll let you guys know how it goes if I do go down that road.
Ben Socratous Goo Roo SA I am the fibreglass/kevlar/carbonfibre king!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 10:52 am, by: Murray Lund(Murray)
Ben, a search will take you to a previous thread about getting ball joints re-conditioned, in fact Neil Griffiths was going to get the equipment to do it but decided the set up cost for equipment ($8000)needed was too high. $80 a ball joint was mentioned. Neil might know something about the process and its effectivenss and longevity. Murray
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 08:05 pm, by: Ben Hesketh(Benzo)
Thanks Murray, did quite a few searches before posting but couldn't find anything. I'll contact him and pick his brain.
Cameron, you have to wait around 5-6 weeks to get looked after at the two best suspension shops in Perth at the moment. For a quick suspension check, Pedders seemed ok and I don't really have an issue with getting them to install the parts. They are franchises so some may be but some are going to be decent as well.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 08:25 pm, by: Cameron Stanley(Camskea)
Ben, Your probly right. Its just I and some friends have had a dodgy couple of dealings with Pedders down here, like the tme I got a quote for $1100 on my ZH Fairlane then went to Tyrepower.....2 secondhand front tyres, wheel balance and align, quick tighten of loose 'whatever they were's'...about $170 later and it was a new car to drive and handle for the next 8 months or so.
But thats only my experience......These guys may very well be ok....
Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 01:20 am, by: Ben Hesketh(Benzo)
I always hear dodgy stuff about them as well to be honest but someone recommended me this particular branch and they seem to be pretty switched on. Will wait and see how my car comes back from them, should I actually get them to do the work though!