Drop arm ball joint

trying to refit new kit for the drop arm ball joint. Total pain trying to get the spring in. Got the usual, G-clamp, jack etc.

Looking at the spring, it’s much larger than original. Does this look right? Is the old one just old and squashed, or do I have the wrong spring?

When I jack the plate up, it keeps going in at a slight angle so I can’t get the circlip on!

Also, what end sits against the plate? Big bottom of spring?

G reg 90. Part number from paddocks RBG000010

Rorie said:

View attachment 169879 View attachment 169880 View attachment 169881 trying to refit new kit for the drop arm ball joint. Total pain trying to get the spring in. Got the usual, G-clamp, jack etc.

Looking at the spring, it’s much larger than original. Does this look right? Is the old one just old and squashed, or do I have the wrong spring?

When I jack the plate up, it keeps going in at a slight angle so I can’t get the circlip on!

Also, what end sits against the plate? Big bottom of spring?

G reg 90. Part number from paddocks RBG000010

Click to expand...

When I installed mine, I used a large amount of force as we took around 3 hours to get the remains of the old one out!

The spring sits with the small end towards the balljoint. I ended up using a trolley jack and socket. I tried using a socket that was the same diameter as the plate, with the circlip stuck on the top, but the force required to squash the spring was too much to allow the circlip to open. I then swapped to a smaller socket, can’t remember the size of the socket, but small enough so the circlip went round it. Then used a hammer and screwdriver to seat the circlip. It was a pain in the arse, and a job I’m not looking forward to doing again.

Original came out no bother (amazingly!). I got the tool from paddocks to seat the upper cone, but even with the bottle jack (and socket so I can get the circlip round) I can’t get the plate in flat enough to get the circlip on. I start jacking the car!!

@Rorie, I got one of these, does make like easier.

Cheers

Big end of spring against bottom cup, small end against plate.

I used a g clamp and sockets when I did mine last weekend, it did want to tilt but just kept adjusting clamp as I tightened it incrementally. Bit of a faff, 2 pairs of hamds might help.

I used a big socket on the top and a 12mm short one on bottom plate.

I put the circlip around the screw of the clamp so I could just pass it over the socket quickly. Don't be afraid to use a punch to get the circlip fully seated if you manage to get it half in

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/ball-joint-or-drop-arm.335711/

I did mine and yes putting it back in is a PITA but you just have to persevere. As you can see spring in similar condition. Getting out no problem

But as ^^^^ if you want a new tool.

J.

neilly said:

@Rorie, I got one of these, does make like easier.
View attachment 169884
Cheers

Click to expand...

I have the tool for the cap, but where did you get the puller? Is it specific for this job?

Looks like I need to keep swearing at this thing and hope for the best haha

Rorie said:

I have the tool for the cap, but where did you get the puller? Is it specific for this job?

Looks like I need to keep swearing at this thing and hope for the best haha

Click to expand...

Got that from an ebay seller Seanf5735 especially for this job, plus a crank tool for a timing belt change .

Made the job a lot easier.

Cheers

I found that the bottom plate on my replacement was thicker than my old one. I used the old plate and it went in easy.

Did my 90 a couple of months ago, I found it an absolute doddle to do it in place using the britpart tool, must have been lucky for a change, the problem I had was getting the spring clip over the rubber cover. Took longer than changing the actual joint.

turrican said:

I found that the bottom plate on my replacement was thicker than my old one. I used the old plate and it went in easy.

Click to expand...

this is what i had to do to, i also tapped it for a push fit grease fitting.
Worth buying the tool that neilly suggested above, it isnt that expensive and i literally makes it a half hour job

Can’t find the puller on eBay - nothing seems to come up for that seller...

I did find one tool but it was £35.

I have the bolt with bosses, so just the pulled I need really.

Cheers