Description
This is a ball joint kit (Swivel Pin Kit) for one side of 1959 to 2000 Mini. The Mini, with it's front engine/front wheel drive configuration, places a lot of weight and stress over the front axle of the vehicle. This causes a great deal of strain on the top and bottom ball joints. They are a high wear item and should be inspected every time you pull the wheels off of the car. This kit includes one upper and one lower ball joint, locktabs, shims, nuts, washers. Two kits will be needed per car, and keep your car safe with a new set of ball joints. Cross Ref.# 8G4197, QSK60
The Ball joints on your Austin Mini are an important component of suspension and steering system. They attach to the suspension upright, which the wheel and tire are mounted to and the rest of the suspension. A Ball Joint is the connection point on your Austin Mini and needs to be able to rotate left and right for steering and up and down for suspension travel and shock absorption, so it is very important that the ball joints that can move smoothly in all directions. While ball joints last for a long time, they do wear because they are carrying the entire weight of the Austin Mini. A highly polished metal ball rides in a very strong polished metal seat which gives a large range of movement. This area is filled with grease to reduce wear and keep the operation of the ball joint working well. However, if the grease is able to leak out of the ball joint or any dirt and road grime get into the grease, the ball joint will be come worn and damaged. There is a rubber boot over the joint to help keep dirt out, but overtime grit will enter the joint. But if a ball joint boot is torn, dirt will get into the joint and damage will start immediately and the ball joint should be replaced. Alway check your Ball Joints on your Austin Mini when your are changing the fluids in your car or lubricating other joints, as the Ball Joints are a lube point on most vehicles. Worn ball joints will affect the Austin Mini's steering. This can happen in a number of different ways, usually making the steering sloppy or very stiff. Excessively worn ball joints can break, causing the suspension to collapse and you can image what would happen next. However, proper inspection and servicing of your Austin Mini will give you a long ball joint life and any indications that the ball joint is bad long before a failure occurs.
