Nova bottom ball joint up-grade

dumpycorsa · 04-10-2008, 18:58

Hi. I've just removed the engine from my nova. I split the rubber on my N/S bottom ball joint and snapped a one of the bolts so need to replace it. Is there an up grade for these joints. I've seen the uni ball but to be honest I was looking for a stronger direct replacement for the standard ball joints (plus the uni ball conversion is a little expensive). Anyone know if there's an upgrade available and where to get them from?

Cheers

dumpycorsa · 06-10-2008, 18:47

anyone replaced theirs with an upgrade?

lee303 · 06-10-2008, 21:57

uni ball is the only upgrade i've seen, surprised you managed to break a bolt though, unless you mean the 8mm pin bolt, a split rubber wouldnt usually mean the joint isnt strong enough though

Gaz86 · 06-10-2008, 22:00

the only downfall is the design, as soon as the rubber splits the clock is ticking, be carefull and break less is the best method for working on balljoints.

if the ball joint hasnt "broken" it doesnt need to be stronger.

never heard of uni ball, is that just rose jointing? if so thats piss easy if you know how to set a jig up and weld.

lee303 · 06-10-2008, 22:27

http://www.hh-ms.com/database/index....&SelModelID=13
not that easy to make up at home i would suggest, but also a bit overkill for anything other than a rally car, its not like the original design means you need a rubber damaging ball joint splitter to break then out of the hub, as its a pinch bolt fit not a taper, never had any problems using the o/e style on mine tbh

dumpycorsa · 07-10-2008, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee303

uni ball is the only upgrade i've seen, surprised you managed to break a bolt though, unless you mean the 8mm pin bolt, a split rubber wouldnt usually mean the joint isnt strong enough though

One of the 2 bolts that hold it in the bottom arm snapped. It was bonner tight. The joint hasn't broken but does have play in it. Thought as I was going to replace it I'd try for an up-grade. Think the uni ball is over kill for my use as it's for road and a bit of track.Think I'll just get standard replacements if there's no cheaper up grade other than the uni-ball

lee303 · 07-10-2008, 15:06

that must have been exciting

i would stick with the o/e ones and see how it goes

**CraigGreen** · 07-10-2008, 15:35

Genuine items last for donkeys years, my car had the originals on up until my resto. Car is on 130k.
Pattern ones wear quicker I've heard, but seeing how cheap & simple replacement is, its not an issue tbh.

Uniballs are overkill on anything except cars that land from large jumps IMO.

Gaz86 · 07-10-2008, 21:02

the bolts that hold it too the arm are stretch bolts and you get new ones with new joints, its no suprise youve snapped one as they arent meant to be reused really, nothing to worry about in terms of it happening again imo

lee303 · 07-10-2008, 21:11

are they? marked up as just 8.8s with locknuts as far as i remember

dumpycorsa · 08-10-2008, 07:13

It snapped when I was undoing it.Something had to give. Cheers for info guys

Gaz86 · 08-10-2008, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee303

are they? marked up as just 8.8s with locknuts as far as i remember

from what i was told yeah they are, but you obviiously know more about nuts n bolts, what does 8.8 mean? maybe its crush washers and not stretch bolts?
haynes says fit new ones with replacements.

**CraigGreen** · 08-10-2008, 10:32

8.8 is some form of identification for the tensile strength maybe.

I know on bicycles, the crank bolts are 12.2 or similar.

lee303 · 08-10-2008, 15:50

yeah, 8.8 refers to the tensile strength, and is the basic standard, usually stampoed on the bolt head 10.8 is higher tensile strength like allen bolts usually are, it is probably good practice to replace the bolts on a ball joint but not neccesary imo, snapping a bolt when un doing usually points to corrosion issues