CraigC Posted January 18, 2008 Posted January 18, 2008 Hi Despite the advice from SWMBO I've take the front suspension almost to bits as part of my re-furb ideas. Speaking to a very nice gentleman from Chilton Dynamics about what can and can't be cleaned up - my idea was to clean up the "black" parts and powder coat to make as "new". He has expressed some doubts about the original finish on these parts. So onto the questions... 1. What is the normal finish for these parts - powder coat or just sprayed black? 2. Another option I have is to renew the ball joints but they look fine IMHO. I have found various "Cortina" parts which seem to match for the bottom ball joint but when sold in sets the top ball joint looks nothing like my setup which has a ball joint straight from the upper wishbone. Does anyone know what part this is? 3. Have I done something really stupid by taking it part and then asking for advice - Constructive flaming only please . I realise that setup will be a problem and I have taken some measurements before I began - But did I take the right ones and enough of them? Just waiting for the balljoint splitter to arrive to finish the upright removal - see determined if nothing else! Pictures are 1. Bottom ball joint 2. Upper ball joint to upright. (zoom in if you can too set the top joint) Another question is regarding removal of the track rod end - any advice before I do this? Cheers Craig PS Aplogies to Slippy - will ring when work allows Quote
skids Posted January 18, 2008 Posted January 18, 2008 mmmmmmmmmmmmmm could be time to spend some money .. up gradeitus my friend Quote
stu999 Posted January 18, 2008 Posted January 18, 2008 Bottom balljoimt is deffo Cortina Top ball joint is *probably* (usually) Transit drag link - HOWEVER, the top wishbone is not standard Westfield issue (as I recognise anyway), so your mileage may vary... No point in taking measurements TBH. Simply replacing parts should mean that the front suspension should be checked adjusted for camber and tracking once it is reassembled. The usual finish for wishbones is powdercoating. For the uprights, balljoints etc, good prep and paint is probably the best way forward. Nothing special with regard to the track rod end removal. Count the number of turns off the rack if you wish for an apporximate setting to get the car mobile again, but as above ideally the suspension should be setup properly once it is rebuilt. Quote
Evo,s 7SE Posted January 18, 2008 Posted January 18, 2008 the top balljoint is the transit one the top wishbone is stantard as car is a pre lit Quote
Mark Stanton Posted January 20, 2008 Posted January 20, 2008 What others have noted - that looks like Pre-lit wishbone set-up keep it have it re-furbed - powder coated contact Cat Motorsport their sister company Triple S Powder coatings can do a very good job for you It can be a one stop shop for you as Cat can supply new bushes, joints and rod ends Quote
Asterix Posted January 20, 2008 Posted January 20, 2008 2nd'd Triple S...always top customer service Quote
CraigC Posted January 20, 2008 Author Posted January 20, 2008 Hi Thank you for all your replies. Now have a box of bits which I will try and get re-furbished Yes - it's a prelit Westfield - all chrome bits are Ok - so really just need to sort out the black bits - see really technical lingo . Balljoints seem to be mechanically Ok - just need to renew the boots on these - otherwise will just replace Cheers Craig Quote
Mark Stanton Posted January 20, 2008 Posted January 20, 2008 For what they cost - simply renew all ball joints, rod ends and bushes if you like chrome fine, otherwise get the lot powder coated Quote
stu999 Posted January 20, 2008 Posted January 20, 2008 Definately renew balljoints if you have done *any* distance with split/missing rubbers... Quote
CraigC Posted January 21, 2008 Author Posted January 21, 2008 Hi No rubbers (2 off) sustained small "splits" when I was breaking the joints - so on that basis I assume these will be ok with new boots - either way can replace - was just looking to save 60 quid Ta Craig Quote
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