Graham Hutton Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Has anybody here ever changed the rubber gator on the front suspension top balljoint? I accidentally split mine a tiny bit when I split the joint to set the camber. At the time I didn't realise there was a special tool for splitting the top joints but I do now!!Anyhow, I thought, no problem, I'll get a replacement rubber gator, pop it apart, stick the new one on an all will be well. It's a nightmare because the gator has a metal edge which is an interference fit onto the rebate in the casting around the balljoint. My digital calipers tell me that the ring on the gator is about 0.75mm small diameter than the casting. Having ruined two new gators trying various ways to get it on I thought I'd cry for help on here..... I've tried pressing it on, even made a special wooden press shape to push on the bevelled edge, all to no avail. Tried, freezing the ball joint and sticking the gator on boiling water. and if it were not for the fact that I don't really want to go and get the camber setup again, perhaps I'd be better to just order a new ball joint as a complete unit.Anyhow, that is quite a rant! Sorry.......anyone got any thoughts?Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Graham,I nicked one of mine using two pairs of water pump pliers.For the other side I used a hole saw / bit of ply to make a 'rest' for the metal collar and put it in the 1/2t bush press. (Took the ball joint off the wishbone after measuring its position)Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted January 7, 2022 Author Share Posted January 7, 2022 Thanks Ian, I've tried something quite similar but not with a holesaw. I'll see if I can find a pipe of the right diameter and do as you did. I had a go with a socket that I thought was a good fit but I reckon it bent the new one slightly out of round and it was game over from then on.grrr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative paul richards Posted January 7, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted January 7, 2022 I use a suitably sized round piece of pipe and push it in using a vice. The only satisfactory way I've found. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colindavies56 Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 Same as paul but a large socket and vice, same result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted January 8, 2022 Author Share Posted January 8, 2022 Thanks everyone. going to have another go later today. fingers crossed!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_Arundel Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 I know it`s too late but.......my MOT man said that as long as the split was sealed it would be ok and to use any black sealant (silicone etc.) They do tend to split/fret quite easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerial_stu Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 Same issue here. I put two new gators on, ended up having to grind out the inside if the metal collar on the gators with a dremmel until it fitterd. A real pain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amos91 Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 It's only £30 for the ball joint from Caterham, save the bother and just buy a new one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian27 Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 I found the centre tube in an axle stand was the ideal diameter to hammer the steel ring in place without damaging the rubber. Having also damaged a new one trying other methods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative paul richards Posted January 8, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted January 8, 2022 For best results I'd avoid using a hammer if possible. Using a vice allows you to gradually squeeze the gator on and ensure it goes on square. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted January 8, 2022 Author Share Posted January 8, 2022 Thanks everyone. I got there in the end! I had to file the rebate on the casting around the balljoint down a bit and slightly grind the inside of the metal ring on the rubber bit. Measuring with my digital callipers, the internal diameter of the ring on the rubber was around 0.75mm smaller than the balljoint. If I ever have the same problem in future I will just buy a new balljoint for sure!Another one of those quirky caterham jobs mastered I guess.... I wonder what I'll stumble across next... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative paul richards Posted January 8, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted January 8, 2022 For info. It seems that the rubbers tend to split more easily on narrow track cars as they tend to get pinched. It became an almost annual job until I upgraded to wide track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted January 9, 2022 Author Share Posted January 9, 2022 Thanbks Paul. My car in an SV with widetrack suspension so fingers rossed I never have to do it again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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