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Noisy knuckle joint
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Author:  phillb [ Sun Apr 14, 2013 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Noisy knuckle joint

I've just replaced both ball joints on one side but noticed the suspension does not move up and down smoothly. I was worried I had not set up th ball joints correctly but now I realise the noise seems to be coming from the knuckle joint in the upper arm.

It seems to be not moving smoothly as if it is dry.

Solutions??

To replace them do I need to empty the hydro?

Author:  Harley [ Sun Apr 14, 2013 7:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

Replace the plastic cup and boot and lubricate it.
Greased the arm pivot lately?

Author:  MattE [ Sun Apr 14, 2013 7:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

I'm not certain that you do have to empty the hydro (been a long time since I've done the job on a hydro car), but I do remember that its very easy if the hydro is evacuated - I recall that the knuckle joint all but lifts itself out of the top arm for you!
Probably a good idea to have new cups, boots and knuckles on hand in case all three need changing. Also if the car has been sitting up in the back end, might be a good idea to add a washer or two between knuckle and trumpet to help restore correct attitude.
Matt

Author:  drmini in aust [ Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

If the knuckle socket wears through, the ball is running in the arm... steel on steel.
There is no lube provided to the knuckle joints other than the smear of lithium grease that comes with them.
I grease mine once a year with a `hypodermic' grease needle that I bought back in my Valiant days. You stick it into the rubber and give it a pump or 2. I do the back ones too. Don't overdo it...

If it's definitely dropped in height though, I'd let the pressure out and fit a new knuckle joint.

Author:  Mini Mad [ Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

If you buy new Knuckle joints they dont come with much grease in them (sometimes dry), make sure you smear a bit in so it's nice and lubed.

Author:  Lillee [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:54 am ]
Post subject: 

I inject grease into them as Doc says. I inspected mine recently and they go dry pretty quickly. Worth doing because Yes it requires hydro to be let down to replace them.

Author:  9YaTaH [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 10:33 am ]
Post subject: 

Its not an area you should pussy foot around with....

I have seen a number of Mini lose wheels at race tracks....and wouldn't like to see it happen on the road :(

Author:  Mini Mad [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 10:49 am ]
Post subject: 

From knuckle joints?

Author:  drmini in aust [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 11:01 am ]
Post subject: 

Mini Mad wrote:
From knuckle joints?

Mick is probably thinking of the balljoints..

Author:  9YaTaH [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 7:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

drmini in aust wrote:
Mini Mad wrote:
From knuckle joints?

Mick is probably thinking of the balljoints..


No....Mick was thinking that if the suspension has faults that it can end in tears...pay lots of attention to this area lads :idea:

Author:  justminis [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 8:32 pm ]
Post subject: 

I have seen top arms drilled and tapped for grease nipples that screw in underneath the knuckle joint. Would have a hole drilled thru the arm into the bottom of the knuckle joint to allow grease to be pumped in there just like a ball joint. Not tried it myself but am going to have a look at it next time I rebuild some top arms.

Author:  peterb [ Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:15 pm ]
Post subject: 

I was about to post that idea JM, it works but you need to grease sparingly as it just pops boot off if you pump too much in. Use EP grease for best results.

Author:  NG [ Tue Apr 16, 2013 12:58 am ]
Post subject: 

Yep ads a grease nipple.

You can add then to the back ones as well, go easy on it or you
Change ride height Lol.

get a needle about a 19 gauge pack with grease, put grease in it
And push it In the rubber and boom greased. Small closes back up
As its a tiny hole a 19.

Author:  drmini in aust [ Tue Apr 16, 2013 11:52 am ]
Post subject: 

justminis wrote:
I have seen top arms drilled and tapped for grease nipples that screw in underneath the knuckle joint. Would have a hole drilled thru the arm into the bottom of the knuckle joint to allow grease to be pumped in there just like a ball joint. Not tried it myself but am going to have a look at it next time I rebuild some top arms.

Good idea, but make sure you drill thru the nylon cup too, or you will jack the cup up out of the socket.. :shock:

I find the grease needle works well for both front & back, and no arm mods required.

Author:  Sean1098 [ Tue Apr 16, 2013 8:58 pm ]
Post subject: 

NG wrote:
Yep ads a grease nipple.
get a needle about a 19 gauge pack with grease, put grease in it
And push it In the rubber and boom greased. Small closes back up
As its a tiny hole a 19.


Do you mean inject it directly through the boot itself? or to lift it up and grease underneath?

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