Editing Change a ball joint (section)

== Fitment ==
'''7. Grease up new ball joint'''
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Image:15._Greasing_New_Ball_Joint_Rubber.JPG
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* It is a good idea to put new ball joints in the freezer for a day or two. This ensures an easy fit into the wishbone.
* Grease the rubber dust cover so that it does not snag.

'''8. Squeeze in new ball joint'''
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Image:16._Fitting_New_Ball_Joint.JPG
Image:17._Ball_Joint_Assembly_Tool.JPG
Image:18._Ball_Joint_Fitted.JPG
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* Hand fit the new ball joint into the wishbone. It should go in easily if it is frozen as it will be slightly contracted.
* Fit the ball joint assembly tool and hand tighten the bolts making sure everything is evenly spaced.
* Tighten the bolts two turns at a time until the ball joint is seated. The heat created during  fitting will defrost the ball joint.

'''9. Tighten lower ball joint'''
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Image:30._Tighteneing_Lower_Ball_Joint.JPG
Image:31._Damper_And_Lower_Ball_Joint_Fitted.JPG
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* With the suspension under compression tighten the lower ball joint nut to 45NM. (Lotus service manual says 55Nm this is for early S1s maybe later cars are different please check)
* If you only have a basic tool kit you will not be able to use a 19mm socket and torque wrench because the hub carrier will be in the way, so you will need to estimate the right amount of tightness using a 19mm ring spanner. 

The damper and lower ball joint are now fitted. Note that the caliper is now repositioned to alleviate the straining on the brake pipe.

'''10. Replace caliper and brake hose'''
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Image:33._Refitting_Brake_Caliper.JPG
Image:34._Securing_Brake_Pipe.JPG|Secure the brake pipe to the top wishbone
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* Refit the brake caliper and torque down to 45NM (I don’t use retaining compound on these bolts as they are frequently removed).