Freelander 2 (LR2) Replacement ball joint

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Zorro587

Active Member
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208
Hi all, whilst swapping onw thing I've managed to mangle the threads on the wishbone ball joint on my FL2. I've seen Euro Parts selling just the ball joint (with nuts and bolts) instaed of the whole wishbone, on which originally the ball joint is riveted in place.
Anyone used these or know if they can/can't be used.
I'm assuming grind off the rivets, punch out, replace ball joint and bolt back in place?
Thanks
 
I have used them on a Focus no problem. As ever don't buy the cheapest crap from Eurocarparts who are rather expensive, even for cheap crap, although convenient.
 
I tried it years ago on a FL1. Gave in and bought the full wish bone in the end. Had problems with the metal sliding into the wish bone as it was the wrong size so compare yer new one before taking it all apart. Simular process on a FL2.
 
bought the full wish bone


Must admit, when my FL1 got an advisory on one of the ball joints last year, I looked at the replacement kits.
In the end, I just replaced both complete wishbones too.
It’s a lot easier, and they are not silly money.

And yer Freelander will love you more…
 
I see little point in spending ½ the amount of money on a replacement ball joint for a wishbone with worn bushes. Just replace the whole wishbone, preferably in pairs.
 
Febi Bilstein, full wishbone and ball joint.



1727032972403.jpeg
 
Top quality Lemforder ball joint is approx £30.
Moog, unknown quality, lower arm just over £100.
It false economy not to replace the whole wishbone.
By the time you've spent removing the wishbone, drilling out the rivets, bolting in the new joint, then refitting the wishbone again (it still requires alignment), you may as well simply replace the complete unit and forget it for another decade.
 
It false economy not to replace the whole wishbone.
By the time you've spent removing the wishbone, drilling out the rivets, bolting in the new joint, then refitting the wishbone again (it still requires alignment), you may as well simply replace the complete unit and forget it for another decade.
Is the wishbone adjustable on a Freelander?
In theory you should have a wheel alignment either way the job is done.
Just pointing out it can be done for £30 for a quality oem part or £100 for a random aftermarket part.
I don't mind either way.
 
Is the wishbone adjustable on a Freelander?
In theory you should have a wheel alignment either way the job is done.
Just pointing out it can be done for £30 for a quality oem part or £100 for a random aftermarket part.
I don't mind either way.
Yes, the front wishbones require setting on an alignment machine if the rear bush bolts are removed.
I use advanced factors for my LR parts. They only supply good quality OE spec parts, which is why they are my preferred supplier.

The ball joint was never available separately from LR, so presumably these are coming from a different supply line.
Lemforder are a premium manufacturer, so should be OK, although recently it seems nobody can make rubber dust covers last these days, which is rather annoying.

For me, I couldn't see the point in removing an old wishbone to fit a new ball joint, when the bushes on the wishbone will be past their best, especially as it needs alignment after refitting. I'd save all the time, and similar swap out the damaged wishbone for a new one, then have the alignment done.
 
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Yes, the front wishbones require setting on an alignment machine if the rear bush bolts are removed.
I use advanced factors for my LR parts. They only supply good quality OE spec parts, which is why they are my preferred supplier.

The ball joint was never available separately from LR, so presumably these are coming from a different supply line.
Lemforder are a premium manufacturer, so should be OK, although recently it seems nobody can make rubber dust covers last these days, which is rather annoying.

For me, I couldn't see the point in removing an old wishbone to fit a new ball joint, when the bushes on the wishbone will be past their best, especially as it needs alignment after refitting. I'd save all the time, and similar swap out the damaged wishbone for a new one, then have the alignment done.
Meyle will be good ones and of course makes sense if keeping the car. If selling then that's another story.
 
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