Has anyone fitted.......

[Alamo]

The bottom balljoints from Roughtrax?

I changed both bottom balljoints today. Quite a straightforward job once I'd primed my BFH to get the old ones off, but how the hell does anyone get grease into the things once they're fitted? I've got 3 different sized greaseguns here but neither of them will go anywhere near the nipple because it's just too inaccessible.

Also, whilst doing the above, I noticed a small amount of play in the front wheel bearings. Are the bearings on the Surf adjustable or is it a matter of fitting new ones?

Thanks in advance.

Alan

[stormforce]

Hiya Al.Just off topic.Did you manage to get the truck sorted in the end

[Alamo]

Hi Richard,

Unfortunately not, but I'm not the sort to be beat so I will eventually find someone who can shed some light on the problem.

How are you anyway mate? Have you decided to try some of our finest black pudding yet?

[stormforce]

not to bad here thanks Al.No i certainly don't want any of that muck..

[KERRSURF]

You can nip the bearings up but if they are worn it won't really help.

Get a 54mm socket, new bearing and proper torque and pre-load settings, do the job right and you can forget then for the next 50,000 kms.

[Alamo]

Muck???....you don't know what you're missing mate. There's nothing quite like trying to stuff a hot Black Pud into your face whilst being loaded up with shopping by the wife on a Saturday afternoon jaunt around Bury market.

Seriously though, a friend of mine who originates from your part of the world (Helston), can literally pewk just from the sight of a Black Pudding.....Ha Ha!

[Alamo]

Thanks KERRSURF......just as I thought.

You've just reminded me actually. I've been meaning to get myself a 54mm for a while now, so it looks like now is a good time.

Cheers.

Alan

[wishbone]

I splashed out and bought a 54mm socket and got some new nuts from milners - only to find out the milners ones are 55mm (or thereabouts)

I contacted milners who told me that I shouldn't be using a socket on them anyway.

I sent them pics from the toyota manual (showing torque figures) but they weren't interested, also returned the nuts but never got a refund.... (I ended up grinding all the chisel 'dings' off to make my original nuts usable)

oh well.....

What I'm rambling on about is to make sure of the nut size before you buy a socket, and don't forget to buy a spring gauge...

[KERRSURF]

Milners are talking out of there arses.

If not a socket then perhaps a box spanner (how do you torque with a box spanner) but certainly not the hammer and screwdriver method usually employed.

[KERRSURF]

If you have lemons make lemonade......55mm (or thereabouts) nut can soon be made 54mm.

[wishbone]

Most folks won't have access to grinders to take them down. I did but don't see why I should pay milners for the priviledge.

[wishbone]

(how do you torque with a box spanner)

Weld a piece of 3mm flat bar across the top with a 1/2" square cutout for your torque wrench to fit into. (drill a 1/2" hole and then square the corners with a file if you are strapped for tooling)

You could weld a nut to the bar instead.

[Alamo]

Am I right in assuming that a spring gauge and a torque wrench are one and the same thing?

I'm anything but a mechanic, so if you see the above as being a stupid question then please ignore me and I will eventually go away.

Alan

[wishbone]

No a spring balance is a set of scales like you'd use to weigh fishes....

Remind me tomorrow and I'll post the pics from the manual for you.

[TOYOTATONY]

Roughtrax sell the nuts & socket to fit. Works perfectly.