TR2/3/3A Tr3 ball joint play

[sp53]

Hi tr3 people, I was wondering how much play one thinks is acceptable in the ball joints of a tr3. I am asking this because I just replaced the ball joints about 5 years ago and was doing some routine maintenance on the vehicle and grabbed the front wheel to check for front wheel bearing looseness. To my surprise the wheel moved more than I thought it should when I placed my hands at 12 and 6 o’clock then rocked it. At first, I thought it was loose wheel bearing, but it was ball joint play. After I stood back and thought about it, I wondered have I gotten stronger in my old age or have the ball joints always moved a little? Anyway, I cannot see why they would not move some, however, stiffness in a lateral move I think is kinda important. Perhaps it is one of those things requiring a knower to feel. I would say I grabbed the wheel with gloves on and gave it a pretty good twist and I could move the ball joints.

Regards George

 

[TRTEL]

Unfortunately George, I think it's the old quality problem Unless they were Quinton Hazel's ( sort of the english equivalent of Moog) then I'd be surprised. But maybe they were Taiwanese etc. In any case there should not be any movement at all except for rotational. But just keep a close watch on your tire wear and I think you'll be okay.
When you start hearing metallic sounds when going over rough surface it might be time to change them out again. How many miles on them? Good luck.
Tom Lains

 

[sp53]

I kinda think that Tom is right. I bought those ball joints from ssoM about six years ago. Perhaps the quality might be knock off. I bought one of those new Moss generators a while back and it did not last, either. Anyways I am having some trouble finding a quality vendor. The trguru has a brand called Power Drive made in England. The price is good, but I do not know much about the quality of suspension parts. Any help will be appreciated.
George