New upper control arm ball joint bolt too long

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 1999 mk2 10ae
  2. I’m based near: Bristol
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: ball joint bolt too long

Hi all,

I have purchased a new genuine upper control arm for my mx5 from mx5 parts, and the new ball joints bolt seems to be too long, any advice on what to do here?

IMG_2049
IMG_20493024×4032 2.85 MB

Any advice is much appreciated,
Thanks Zack.

2

What did you torque it to? It should be 44lb/ft (60NM)

3

Mazda did away with the slotted nut later in production, just put a normal nut on it and the split pin through the hole.

4

Will MOT inspectors be likely to know this as it is what failed my MOT recently, so they are probably going to have a keen eye on it.

5

Yes I have torqued it to 60nm

6

If there is no slotted nut, then there is no reason they should fail it.

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7

By chance do you know what size nut it would be?

8

That slotted nut in the pic looks short.

I’d consider adding a thick washer to make it look like a flanged nut (as found all over the car), and then the holes might line up sufficiently.

But, would adding a washer fail the MOT?

9

Not off the top of my head, sorry. 17mm across the flats…

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10

If I were to add multiple washers would that be bad

11

Then it looks a bit obvious, as well as being more likely to slip.

Washers come specified in thickness, inner diameter and outer diameter, with lots of variations possible.

I guess the bolt is 8mm or 10mm, and that size i/d “Form A” washer usually has thickness 1.5mm or 2mm, not thick enough with one washer.

Ages ago at work I had to use some 3mm and 5mm as tacked-on packing washers for 10mm bolt-ups, but these thicknesses are not obvious on a quick amazon trawl.

12

Ok thank you, will get the right nut now.

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13

Hi,Hopefully this will answer your question.(a)use your original Mazda nut if you can as it will probably be the correct length.(b) Space the nut with washer &then fit split pin through the castellated nut as it would be fitted originally.(c) Locktight the threads on the joint & fit splitpin.(d) use a nylock nut as this shows a proper secure fitting whereas lock tight is not obvious to the mot tester & as I have just been informed it is not a failure unless it is loose but I would not be happy to see it on a car & would you like to have it on your car with the split pin in a position where it is not securing the nut from coming loose ?. Pop down to your local hardware shop & take your old nut with you & get a nylock nut the same thread it will also make your mot inspector happier to see a proper job has been done

1 Like