This blog has been put together to advise you on the steps to take to adjust or replace your Mini's Ball Joints.
- With the front of the Mini jacked up and stabilised with axle stands under the subframe
- Remove the road wheel
- Loosen the ball joint nut (do not completely remove)
- Loosen the ball joint from the suspension arm with the ball joint splitter.
- Remove the ball joint nut and washer and separate the ball joint from the suspension arm
- Carefully release the lock tab and undue the ball joint- check the condition of the ball and the socket.
- If the ball and socket is serviceable remove one or more shims and re assemble the ball joint, the correct preload setting is for the joint to move freely with some light resistance. This procedure may take more than one attempt to get the correct preload.
- If the ball joint needs replacing, fit a new ball joint and follow the preload settings as above.
- Once the preload is set, torque up the ball joint and secure the lock-tab.
- Refit the joint to the suspension arm and apply grease via the grease nipple.
- Refit the road wheel
- Drop the car back onto the ground and torque the wheel nuts.
If you need any help or have any questions our dedicated Mini experts are always on hand to answer your enquiries on anything Mini – get in touch!
Speak to us on +44 (0) 1282 778 731 or send an e-mail to sales@minisport.com and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.
Alternatively you can also shop our entire Mini Suspension range here or reference our Suspension 'Easy Parts Finder' below.