166 rear suspension bushes

Anyone had to replace the bush in the bottom of the rear hub where it connects to the wishbone?
My nearside one has about 5mm play in it and it dont seem to be listed by powerflex.
Right hand cornering is scarey as the wheel moves in and out of line!

Snap Colin, NSR hub bush and wishbone gone on mine. Need to find out what has to be changed (bush or whole unit) and get on to it!

It's not a rubber bush that's in the hub carrier, it's a ball joint . The really bad news is that to replace the joint you have to buy the complete hub carrier and because you'll destroy the hub bearing when transferring the hub you need a new hub bearing too. The official Alfa dealer parts costs for this are £193 +VAT for the hub carrier and £93.07 +VAT for the hub bearing. Labour for fitting - who knows?

Good news - I have a method of fixing the ball joint that would cost about £25 in parts if you have access to a lathe and have some raw material. I have drawings for manufacture and photographs on how to do it.

Thanks,
Looks like an expensive job.
I know someone with lathe, can you give me some more info please?

Look here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/7301074...7600262381655/

Remove the complete hub and carrier assembly from the car.
Remove the brake disc.
Remove the brake caliper bracket.
Decide if you want to keep the brake dust/dirt shield.
If no, loosen the M6 screw and cut off with a Dremel and cut off the dust shield.
If yes, carefully cut the dust shield with a junior hacksaw and tin snips. You'll still have to cut the M6 screw once it's partially removed (you fit a new shorter one later).
Remove the rubber boots from the ball joint - don't damage them you need them later.
Press the ball joint out of the hub carrier (before removing, measure the protrusion of the ball joint from the carrier).

Purchase a spherical bearing Askubal G20D from a bearing stockist like BSL.
Manufacture 2x spacers and 2x caps per drawings.

Assemble - dead easy

I can send drawings of the bits if you like.

Ken, thanks for all the information, really fantastic stuff. I will be talking to my boss to see if he will get them made for me!

Sincere thanks again.

you should make a wee batch up and sell them to all us lot if/when we need them

Thanks Ken,
I wouldn't mind the drawings if poss please.
How much does the bearing cost?

Hi Ken,
I can't get my email address to you because your inbox is full.
Cheers,
Colin166

I have looked up the bearing on the Askubal web site, they are about £2.50!! I expect UK based supplyers will be a little more. I will be sorting out the machining from Kens drawings next week with luck. Will let you know how it goes.

What is the please outside dimensions that bearing . Do two print 35 and 42 mm. Is thereon old ball joint some mark?Possibly puts get.Thanks and I am sorry for of my English

I have to check with Ken but I think it is this one

http://www.askubal.de/shop/productde...4675&PGID=2100

This is a maintenance required bearing, they do a non maintenance one but the load rating is halved and I don't know if thats ok or not. Dont forget, this not a direct replacement, you need Kens drawings to make the spacers and caps.

It's actually this G20-D bearing here (40 OD 20 ID x 25 W): http://www.askubal.de/shop/productde...1535&PGID=3800

Although this is a 'maintenance free' bearing I packed the joint housing with a moly rich grease prior to refitting the rubber boots.

Cool, thanks Ken

Could I have the drawing as well please, wondering if this is the cause of back end still shaking, (other post) My local bearing factor wanting 25 quid each!

I will be suprised if they are the correct bearings. The point of Kens drawings is to make up spacers and sleeves to make a standard bearing fit. I tried 3 major stockists and they could not supply the origional bearing. If they are correct, let us all know as we wont need Kens adaptors in the future.

Think it's the right bearing, gave the drawing from Ken's link, measured the bearing at the factor and it was as per the drawing but swerved it 'cos of the price, see if I can get em cheaper elsewhere.

Can you send drawings to me too please? I have access to a lathe and press so making the bits is no problem.