[Chris T]

The top ball joints need replacing on rear and one on front, decided to start on the rear. The workshop manual suggests taking the bottom bolt that holds the shock to the upper arm presumably to allow a bit more movement to allow the oversized 46mm socket to fit – but no, the arm and shock over the last 20 years appear to have become welded together and I can’t sperate the two. In any case the shock bush doesn’t look to in great shape. So decided to remove the long bolt holding the bolt in place only to find it fowls on the rear ARB. Can’t quite get to one of the the nuts holding the ARB to the car as the heat shield is in the way looked to drop the heat shield down slightly only to find the bolts holding it to the car are now rusty blobs…

 

[IanMc]

I feel your pain Chris. Just keep going matey, your patience and skill will reap the rewards you seek.

Good luck.

 

[deepfat]

What you need is a really good mate or a very cheap garage, both are as rare as rocking horse ?*&%

 

[Chris T]

Success, impressed with the £14 Erbauer bolt extractor set from Screwfix – made short work of the rusty blob that was holding the heatshield.

As I pulled the shield down slightly a chunk came off, a problem for another day but at least I could get access to the ARB nuts and the long bolt was free to come out. The shock is still firmly attached so I will have to unbolt it from the top. One for another day.

 

[Chris T]

Due to work and COVID getting in the way, 3 weeks later I’ve finally manged to remove the shock and arm. Unfortunately, the top nut holding the shock in place was seized sold, it could have done with heat, but it isn’t a good place for blow touch! In the end I put too much force into the Alan head that it shared off part of it. Ended up cutting into the nut then the impact wrench finally got the nut off the thread is totally ** . I suspect that the nut was cross threaded in the first place.

At least the bush in arm doesn’t seem to be in bad condition.

 

[Richard Barrett]

You can see how the bolts are rounded with use, looks a difficult task you have ahead Chris, best of luck buddy.

 

[mowog73]

Those bolt extractor sets are a god-send, aren't they. I've used the 10mm one a lot on the F, so much so that I've worn it out and have had to buy a new set of extractor (don't seem to be able to buy individual ones).

 

[Chris T]

After all that I could get to the old ball joint to remove it

Installing the new one

Cleaning and painting the arm ready for reinstallation.

 

[Chris T]

Finally started to refurbish the N/S rear suspension, this time completely removing the exhaust backbox and the heat shield as it is in poor condition and the mounts have seen better days and need replacing.

However, on removing one of the nuts on the ARB mounts the stud snapped off, although the replacement platform is available it seems a shame to buy a new one when the old one is in fundamentally good shape.

The offending stud was ground down and punched out, the new bolt will need welding in.

 

[IanMc]

Good work Chris.

Out of interest, do you know where I might be able to get a rear silencer heat shield? - I noticed that mine seems to have gone missing!

 

[trevtherevs]

Good work Chris.

Out of interest, do you know where I might be able to get a rear silencer heat shield? - I noticed that mine seems to have gone missing!

I got a new stainless steel one from rimmers when they had a sale on. It was still £100 a couple of years ago, which I had a very, very long think on before buying. However, it was a sturdy item and whilst many said there's no need for the shield and the flimsy silver board type shield seemed all but impossible to get, I'm glad I fitted it. Having said that, after I fitted mine I have seen a couple, of second hand board ones come up on eBay.

 

[Chris T]

The heat shield part number is WEB101160

Exhaust Heatshield - Genuine MG WEB101160 MGF / MG TF have an OEM one for £75

Rimmer’s stainless steel one is £128 less 10% in the sale between the 2nd and 22nd.

Mike Satur’s version as around the same price.

 

[mowog73]

The heat shield that Rimmer is selling is made by Mike Satur. I've installed Mike Satur's heat shields on both of our Fs and it is a nicely made product. I did have the bend the heat shield a bit in one spot to stop it from heating the Daytona exhaust pipe on my wife's F.

 

[trevtherevs]

Yes I did fail to say the Rimmers Item is the same as Mike Satur and although might be thought of as expensive it is a nice sturdy shield and I found it easy to fit and forget.