Hi All,

I think my Mini might need the inner ball joint on the front wishbones replacing.

They look to me like a fixed part of the wishbone assembly like the image below, but at the same time I can see separate ball joints being sold.

Is it possible to change them, or does it depend on model or something?

Has anybody done it and what is involved, please? Can I do it without removal of the whole wishbone?

eBay Link - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Ball-Jo...sAAOSw5cNYfOaN

Thanks!

 

I think it is pressed in. With corrosion and dirt, it is almost impossible to remove without taking it off. I personally never had to replace it, so I could be wrong.

try to pry on it and hammer it out. use a torch to help releasing it.

 

Thank you for your reply. It does look pressed in but I wonder if it is super tight like some bushings or if it is gently pressed and then clipped in, or both!

I don't really know if mine is duff or not - I only know the steering is a touch wobbly and evidence points to either outer or inner ball joins. Guess I'll do the outer ones first and then see what's up.

On the Gen1 Mini the wishbone rubber bushing can not be removed without dropping the sub-frame because of space to withdraw the bolts. Is this also the case on the Gen2? Yeah, I know the wishbone can be pulled from the rubber bushing but I know from experience that putting it back in is a really, really difficult task!

 

before you start swapping and replacing parts, have someone manage the steering wheel (the car at rest/parked) and you listen or try to see where the issue is. it could be as simple as a loose bolt/nut.

i had something similar with my links...my cousin listened while i turned left and right..it turned out to be loose!

dont spend money yet...

 

For what it is worth a poster on another forum said they have replaced the R56 inner ball joints a few times. They are indeed a press fit and you can buy replacements.

I had a quick attempt at them a few days ago. I managed to get the nut off the screw thread, but I got no further.

I could not release the ball joint cone from the sub-frame despite soaking over night with oil, heating with a torch and attacking with a 2lbs hammer. I didn't want to use my joint splitter fork because it tends to damage the rubber cover that would just makes things even worse. I could probably have got it out if I jacked up under the bolt thread putting the cars weight on it, but I had other things removed from the car so didn't want to mess about.

I also couldn't remove the ball joint body from the where it is press fitted in the control arm. There was a bit of a lip around the edge where I could get a screwdriver in and gave it a good lever, but it didn't do much. I don't see how these can be removed (and re-fitted) without taking the control arm off the car and creating some specialist press tool as you find for rear axle bushings. I'd love to see a video on how to do these home gamer style.





Mini Cooper S R56 Inner control arm ball joint.

 

Heat and hammer or cv remover.

 

I am about to attempt this again as the 1st time I was unable to break the ball joint from the subframe. Any tips? Is it necessary to remove the entire subframe to replace the lower control arm and break this free? It looked to me like it should be able to be replaced if the inner ball joint is broken free of the subframe.

 

I was wondering how you ended up doing it?

 

I didn't do it. I couldn't even get the cone of the joint free from the sub-frame, never mind the press fit on the wish-bone. Sorry I can't be of more help!

If you have it on a ramp you could probably get a good swing on the cone to free it from the sub-frame and then heat the wish-bone and smack the joint out, but I couldn't get very far working under the car on jack stands particularly after soaking it with oil I didn't want to do much with a torch!

 

Could you try placing a jack under it and slowly jack it up from that point?

 

I tried, but it just raised the car. I think it would need a shock to release. Perhaps freeze spray and a hit from a large hammer.

 

I had the same issue getting it released from subframe then was told this

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4363220

Ive completely taken it out and separated it from bushing now also. I bought a replacement and now trying to decide if I will lower subframe and replace everything or try to cut out bushing.

 

I did the right side today. It took me all day!! the inner ball joint was such a pain. I ended up having to remove the axle/CV joint to get to the two top bolts. I tried the fork method and messed up the ball joint bad. Lucky I found one at a auto parts store. Once out i hit the ball joint on the threaded side and it popped out. All this to replace my lower control arm bushings, which that part was not too hard once i go to it. Going to do the driver side this weekend. I went ahead and ordered another inner ball joint because i know i might as well replace it because i'm going to damage that one also. If i find a easier way i will let everyone know.