Lancia Motor Club

Any recommendations as to how to get the ball joint into this nylon/plastic bush without breaking it? A much tighter fit than I expected. At £26 a pop I don't want to risk cracking it by using a hammer...

pop the bush in boiling water for a few minutes ??

And/or put the ball in the freezer for a couple of hours ??

You could try putting the joint in the freezer and then the Bush in boiling water first?
Brian
8227
 8)

All of the above plus Vaseline helps a smooth insertion. ooh matron!

I use my vice to fit the ball joint into the bush. I lubricate both the inside of the bush and the ball joint with a little grease and place both between the jaws of a vice and slowly tighten until the ball joint pops into the bush. Of course I make sure they are aligned and that the nut is on the end of the ball joint stud to protect the thread. I've done dozens this way (I used to own a workshop back in the eighties and nineties) without any issues.

Lightning strikes twice!

After servicing the 1300 Coupe yesterday it was used for a nice drive up the Holme Valley to a lovely Italian restaurant near Holmfirth. Last set of traffic lights before home, change down from 3rd and bingo, the gear stick comes loose in my hand. Luckily even the 1300 could limp home in 3rd. At least I know how to fix it now. Perhaps the mid 60K miles and/or 38 to 40 years is as much as the linkage is good for??