2003 SV 80,000ish miles.
I recently had the MOT done and had two advisories for the upper wishbone ball joint dust covers. They are both beginning to break up. I think I need two GAITOR TOP WISHBONE ROD END (QR1798) (https://caterhamparts.co.uk/wishbones/1924-gaitor-top-wishbone-rod-end-qr1798.html?search_query=wishbone+cover&results=208). There is no sign of play so I think the actual joints are still good.
Three questions:
1/ Is the part above correct?
2/ I have split the lower joints a few times with a Laser ball joint separator . Is the process much the same?
3/ I'm assuming that fully supported with axle stands and wheel off is the correct way but I don't want to find out the hard way. Is this correct? Is there something under tension that I need to be concerned about?
Just use a nut and bolt under the taper pin and on top of the upright under it, once nut on taper pin loosened, unscrew nut and bolt to push taper pin upwards to break taper.
Are you saying that the tool I have will not work or is this an alternative method?
The tool you have is ok if you can get it in. If you weren't replacing the dust cover it might damage it. A simple nut and bolt of the right length is just cheap and fast
Thanks. I have the tool but probably not the nut and bolt.
That type of separator can damage the gaiters quite easily. Thankfully you do not have to worry about that. The nut & bolt method is the best solution.
Or one can purchase the ultra expensive patented Caterham ball joint removal tool @ £80 !
1.Part is correct but I simply ring Redline.
2. Splitter will do the job if you can get it in.
3. I find it better to use a jack and raise car just enough to unload the spring and leave tyre on the ground otherwise wheel will fall sideways when you release the joint.
4. Be careful fitting the new rubbers as it's very easy to damage them. I actually find it best to remove the ball joint from the wishbone (carefully counting the turns to make sure it is reassembled correctly) and fitting the new rubber in a vice. I use a piece of round tube the same diameter as the metal on the rubber and slowly squeeze on using the vice.
Straight roads are for fast cars. Bends are for fast drivers.
I did pretty much as Paul did (eventually!) First one tried fitting in situ with a couple of pairs of waterpump pliers - managed to nick the rubber and ended having to glue it. Also the pliers damaged the zinc plating on the new seal assembly! It was very difficult because as you applied pressure with the pliers one side of the seal would slip off.
Other side I used an appropriate size hole saw to make a support out of some wood then having removed the joint just pressed the new cover on. I sanded the edge of the cut hole in the wood so as not to cause any more damaged seals!!
When the old covers were off I wiped off the old grease and added a smidgen of new Castrol LM and worked the joint a bit.
Thank you for all the advice. Sounds like a more awkward job than I imagined as I didn't appreciate the difficulties in getting it back together.
The Caterham page for the gaitor suggests a related product for £33 called TOP WISHBONE ROD END DE-DION CARS. Unfortunately clicking the link takes me to a page that says unavailable. If I can track it down would it be an easier to replace the whole thing and have benefit of new ball joints? £12 versus £66 might be worth the additional cost if it saves hassle and has a long term benefit.
https://caterhamparts.co.uk/wishbones/126-top-wishbone-rod-end-de-dion-cars.html
Go to any motor factors
I had read somewhere that it was a FSO/Fiat X19 part.
Also just found this https://shop.oakmeremotorgroup.co.uk/product/top-wishbone-rod-end