different top off side wishbone question

[jcasey007]

On my 97 model it has the adjustable castor on the top wishbone in a 2 piece configuration

I think on later models they had a one piece design, are they interchangeable? which is better?

none of the kwickfit places will adjust camber or caster so what is the point of having it

cheers

Jim

 

[janolsson]

none of the kwickfit places will adjust camber or caster so what is the point of having it

I would think that it is for when you raise or lower the height using the TT, you can correct the caster angle to keep tyre contact level.
regards

 

[my pos mounty]

On my 97 model it has the adjustable castor on the top wishbone in a 2 piece configuration

I think on later models they had a one piece design, are they interchangeable? which is better?

none of the kwickfit places will adjust camber or caster so what is the point of having it

cheers

Jim

The upper control arms (wishbones?) can be either 2 piece or 1 piece on the right side (on US models anyway, not sure of other locations). The difference being where you adjust caster/camber. The one piece unit must be installed with a different set of bolts (called an alignment kit) that would move the adjustment onto the mounting bolts instead of on the control arm.
So they are interchangable, with the proper mounting bolts.

 

[jcasey007]

Thanks

It is already equipped with the adjustable bolts and cam washers for camber adjustment, the right hand upper wishbone ajdustment is for setting the parallel alignment of the front wheels so they don't stagger.

Sounds Like I can fit the one piece units

 

[jcasey007]

I took my EX to a new tyre place today who have the Hunter 4 wheel alignment system (they are new to the area and not that busy on a Saturday)

So after checking with them before they started that they will make all the adjustments required, I let them hook her up.

right hand castor was on the money with the camber being +1 deg .
left hand castor was -3.5deg and camber was on the money

So with the left had side not having any castor adjustment amd being well off, I recon I have a problem with either the lower or upper wishbones (ball joints or rubbers. £47.00 well spent even if they couldn't adjust it

 

[corkey]

time for a camber bolt kit,

 

[rich uk]

Just recieved 2 new lower ball joints for mine , from ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250595863613
£24 look good quality, my front wheels are like / \
well one,s worse than the other ,dont know if thats your issue but from what Ive read that,s most likely on mine
regards Rich

 

[corkey]

if they are like this / \ than you also need camber bolts,

 

[jcasey007]

I did the lower ball joints about 10 months ago, but there again I have done over 40,000 miles since then! I also got them off ebay.

Monday I will be ordering a pair of brand new lower wishbones and a NS upper from USAutomotive, I did the lower rubber bushes on the OS about a month ago, even with a press a sod of a job, so I'm going to treat her to a pair of new.

once I have these on all parts on the front suspension will be new, if I still have a problem with tyre wear, I'll replace the rack and inner track rods.

I think UK spec cars have cam bolts as standard

 

[rich uk]

if they are like this / \ than you also need camber bolts,

Thanks ..ill have a look see if I have em ,

are they standard ford parts in the pic you posted ?..was hoping not to mess with the uppers tho...
to be fair the fronts tyres although heavily worn on the inside have lasted as long as the rears ,
Cheers Rich

 

[rich uk]

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raf...de=1304424&parttype=13512&a=UKc1304424k504145
and thread on fitting
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252389&highlight=camber+bolt+kit

 

[corkey]

make sure you also get an alignment before you drive any distance after installing the camber kit,

 

[blueka]

I've just changed all the upper and lower ball joints on Sarah's 97 XL... it's a pig of a job, but we went with the 1 piece uppers on both sides and the place was able to align it, although it took them an hour.

It is doable if the place is willing to put in the time. Hope that helps,


Si

 

[rich uk]

tempting to leave this job for now....
my ex drives ok ..just the tyre wear issue , im not doing many miles right now... sounds like a big money job

@jcasey : what you recon roughly cost was for what you done so far bud ?

good to see your doing ok Si

 

[blueka]

I'm good Rich... did you see my latest purchase???


Si

 

[jcasey007]

RichUK, do you want the 'wife price' or the real figure :

I don't mind spending money on the EX as I do so many miles so has to be reliable but what burns me is doing a job more than once.

So after 40k miles I'm having to replace the lower ball joints again. So I'm about to spend another wedge in front suspension parts to solve my tyre and steering problems.

I guess I've spent about £1900 this year but I would have lost more than that in depreciation on a nearly new car and not had as much fun!

 

[rich uk]

Wow JC thats wedge mate ...guess itll be A1 and all good when your finished ..
Im assuming that figure isnt for the front suspension only -
good luck
Rich

 

[rich uk]

I'm good Rich... did you see my latest purchase???


Si

Yes mate I did ..bit suprised you didnt get a v8 though

glad its going as good for you Si

 

[rich uk]

Heres my tyre wear .. loads of meat on the outside ..

and my upper arms they have adjusters on them..bushes look ok to me

will get tracking checked next

suggestion,s ?

 

[janolsson]

Heres my tyre wear .. loads of meat on the outside ..

View attachment 58604

and my upper arms they have adjusters on them..bushes look ok to me

View attachment 58605

View attachment 58606

will get tracking checked next

suggestion,s ?

Hi Rich
My o/s tyre was wearing like that when i bought the old girl. I replaced the lower ball joint (didn't feel any play in steering or even in wheel when raised but the joint was fubar) and that stopped the uneven wear. Took me about 3 hours without any special tools except my trusty hammer.