MOT fail boo hoo

[MRGT]

The poor girl finally managed to fail its MOT today. ''Excessive play in nearside front suspension ball joint'' (along with a couple of very minor issues) . Am I correct in thinking that it is possible to just replace the ball joint itself, and if so, is there any difference between the Lux and the 'S' ? (mines an 'S' )

Thanks

Howard

 

[944 man]

The joint isnt a servicable part, according to Porsche; they expect you to pay several hundred pounds for a new wishbone. Specialists like Hartech offer a rebuilt wishbone on an exchange basis which is of good quality. You can also buy cheap rebuild kits from the after-market, but success here depends on the quality of the parts and your ability to do the work.

An alternative to the Hartech offering would be a used wishbone from a reputable dismantler, like Simon Butterworth. You might find wishbones cheaper on eBay and such, but theyre as likely to be shot as your was.


Simon

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Look for the recent thread on replacing the ball joint, you need the right kit and the tools/skills to do it. A refurbed one is the obvious option, Hartech etc, I'd not go used unless you know it's nearly new.

(previous thread here )

 

[MRGT]

Thanks for the replies. I notice that both Porscheshop and Type911 both offer replacement kits. Anyone have any experience of them ?

http://www.type911shop.co.uk/shop/article_2641/944-Wishbone-Ball-Joint-Repair-Kit.html?shop_param=cid%3D1031%26aid%3D2641%26

http://www.porscheshop.co.uk/acatalog/porsche_944_steering.html

Howard

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Anyone have any experience of them ?

Not those specifically, but there have been failures of DIY-refurbed wishbones. Whether that's down to the kit, the DIYer's inexperience or the wishbone being too badly worn for the kit to fit properly I don't know.

Olli's looks fine in the other thread, but it's not an easy route to recommend. The exchange items are proven and guaranteed, and will see the car out, so I think they're worth the extra for the peace of mind.

 

[944 man]

Based on past experience the PS offering is likely to be extremely expensive; although its quality may be satisfactory.

 

[MRGT]

Interestingly I have found an article in 911+ Porscheworld where Porscheshop have adapted the early model wishbone to fit the late model 944's, the big advantage being that it now has a replaceable ball joint.

http://www.porscheshop.co.uk/bcatalog/porscheshop_in_print_and_testimonials_911pw_0507_inprint.php

Whilst not listed on their main shop, it does appear in their ebay shop

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380281888963&category=10408&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

I fully appreciate that this will not be as good as a direct replacement wishbone from Hartech, but it is certainly worth considering and takes the hassle out of trying to just replace the ball joint itself, especially consideing the cost saving.

Howard