Bongo Fury

Hi Guys,

Recently had to replace front drop links. Whilst doing this job as MOT looming gave the front brakes & suspension a good look over. Well I need to renew the discs/pads and the track rod ends, plus the bottom ball joints (whilst they have no play in them the rubber gaiters are split) need new as well.

Whilst I realise that Ian has many of these parts available I've found better deals on these items supplied by either AVA or Mazda Bongo Shop. As many club members must have purchased from these suppliers & perhaps others (seen loads on E-Bay) can anyone give me any feedback on their experience of quality? Also the price of bottom wish bones at approx £150 a side in order to replace bottom ball joints seems very expensive. You can now get bottom ball joints from Mazda Bongo Shop at £40 each, that's £220 saving if there easy to fit. So, has any one had experience of just fitting the bottom ball joint itself? I expect some sort of press may be needed as I can't quite work out how you would get old one out and new one in.

Now for the disclaimer, I shall not hold anybody responsible for the advice that may be given in good faith if I should consequently follow said advice and not be totally satisfied. I do realise that ultimately it is my choice who I may end up purchasing from.

Cheers

the thing i would check first is the condition of the wishbone,if its not rusted inside badly,and going thin anywhere then maybe its worth a go at replacing the lower joint.
check the rubber bushes on its pivot point also.
if you buy a new wishbone all these parts come fitted new,if you buy all the new component parts and build it up yourself it could end up more expensive,and the quality of each component could differ from one to another, and still have issues.
that said i would, and have, replaced the lower ball joint several times to save money.

i use lots of heat to loosen the splined fit, then let it cool with wd40 or similar,then i use a sash clamp to get the correct angle and push it out.
take care when rebuilding the new one in, clean everything up,paint everything,and lube, line the splines and press new one in,(dont hammer it in).
i also use semi fluid grease and inject the rubber gaiter for longer life of the joint.

good luck

Hi WINDYWATSON,

Regarding the lower ball joints,the removal and fitting is a very simple operation but I would not recommend replacing ball joint unless the lower wishbone has been tested as being sound.The wishbone has a bad habit of corrosion and if so will split in half..

Cheers..

teenmal wrote:Hi WINDYWATSON,

Regarding the lower ball joints,the removal and fitting is a very simple operation but I would not recommend replacing ball joint unless the lower wishbone has been tested as being sound.The wishbone has a bad habit of corrosion and if so will split in half..

Cheers..

Thanks for the guidance, will give them a good inspection. Although they do look to be in good condition it's worth knowing about the corrosion aspect of the job. Am I assuming that they are prone to rusting from inside to out?

cheers