Technical Tipo front suspension

[johninfrance]

Just replaced the front bottom suspension triangle but the bottom ball joint just won't stay in place. Set up fully inserted and fully tightened but comes adrift as soon as the car moves off - could have been disastrous results but luckily had to stop for next door's dog, second time was much more cautious but with same result. Any ideas??
johninfrance

 

[Hellcat]

Either you have the pin not far enough into the hub carrier... or you have the wrong size pins.

Early Tipo's (<93) had 13mm pins, later ones had 15mm pins.

With the pin in, and clamped, the pin should not be able to fall out because of the bolt through the groove in the pin.

 

[johninfrance]

Thanks again Hellcat - re-used the old bolt which had worked well before - will try a new bolt. Don't know too much about the history of my 1991 Tipo so could have had all sorts of new or second hand bits added
johninfrance.

 

[Hellcat]

The bolt should be fine, it's the actual pin on the ball joint that comes in different sizes..

If you check on the Eper it has both listed. The diameter was actually 15mm and was changed to 17mm.

Dunno if this link will work...

If someone has replaced the arms and pillars to the 17mm type... that would explain why the 15mm ones drop out.

 

[sediciRich]

You need the fiat part number as normal bolts don't always have the correct shank diameter - plus the pinch bolts DO wear out and need replacing - mine needed replacing after 3 seasons.

 

[johninfrance]

Thanks everyone - Hellcat's idea seams to be most probable, the old triangle has a 17mm pin - not standard on this model so someone has upgraded in past. Now ordered a 17mm replacement which hopefully will solve the problem
Thanks again
johninfrance

 

[Hellcat]

Keep us updated.

Bear in mind Rich's advice though, give your pinch bolts a thorough inspection before you re-use them.

p.s. What model Tipo do you have johninfrance?