Sourcing Elise ball joints

[campbell]

Have done some digging and this lot supply the QSJ883S Quinton ball joint used in the S1 (didn't check for S2 but I guess they do them too):

http://www.autogateway.co.uk/Car-Parts

...at £10 each inc VAT, which is about half the price of Elise Parts, with only £6 flat rate shipping.

Just thought I'd post in case anyone is searching on this in future.


Campbell

[mac]

I've had a number of QH ball joints in the past - all with the same part number - half fitted, the other half didn't (go figure)

The all important thing to look for is the striations(sp?) on the side - can't recall what they mean at the moment but I'll refresh my memory shortly with a trip to the garage.

Mac

[tut]

As Mac says Campbell, it would seem that there are ball joints and ball joints, and some are not so good, or can be the wrong size. Mike fitted 8 for me recently which did the job.

Dan or one of the other Gurus will keep us straight.

tut

[campbell]

Aye, Robin has already warned that some go in so tight that the steering doesn't self-centre!

We are going to measure them all when shipped, and send back any duffers.

And thanks Mac, any info you can dig out is much appreciated...beginning to look like I have The Winter Project From Hell brewing here at Scuderia Fordy HQ, but if I am to keep the S1, it really needs to be done.

[mwmackenzie]

I had one fitted last thurs which screwed my steering up as it's too stiff and made the steering heavy and no longer self centers so that'll coming straight back out! So I'll be needing a new one lol

[roadboy]

Yup, always need to measure them to be sure. Although I actually like fitting the tight ones to the rear of the car where it doesn't affect the steering weight.

The problem with QH is that they are essentially a reboxing company so you can get different products with the same part number.

If you get Delphi ball joints in the QH box they should fit fine.

Dan

[campbell]

Thanks Dan, good tip re: rears...if I get lucky enough to have 4 "rightsize" and 4 "outsize", then I'll keep the latter for when I get round to the back