Trying for the impossible

nimbinbid · 05-05-2021, 06:23

Hi all, nice to be back.

I let my membership lapse a few rego checks (MOT equivalent) ago thinking there was no way the old girl would pass. Only 2 windows still work, back door stuck closed again, dash is falling apart and it's leaking diesel again, to name a few problems. Worst is the front right offside wheel as per the attached pic, it passes it's annual registration check with the wheel like that and no one seems to know what's wrong with it.

Needless to say I wouldn't mind solving that issue and now that I've got it into my head to make this truck last as long as the engine holds, I'm also concerned about the difficulty in obtaining spare parts. My Terrano is a 1999 2.7 TDI with barely 280,000 Kilometers on the clock and over the 100,000 Ks that I am responsible for, it's required more front end work than all the other cars I have ever owned put together. Which makes me wonder if it's really worth the trouble of hanging on to it.

So that's about it in a nutshell.

Roy

elty001 · 05-05-2021, 10:09

Wrong lower ball joint fitted by looks of it.
Pre 96 mk 1 have a shorter lower ball joint which causes the issue you seem to have.

solarman216 · 05-05-2021, 10:49

Yes wrong ball joint I had the very same issue when replacing the joint on my Mrs motor and found as elty says they had supplied the joint for the earlier motors, got the correct one and all sorted, Rick

nimbinbid · 07-05-2021, 02:26

Thanks for that.

Neither several suspension specialists or our regular village mechanic had any suggestions over the cause. Guess you can't beat experience.

Which brings me to the next question, where can I get a replacement? The ball joint in question was the only "compatible part" I could find that would actually fit. In the process I also noticed that the idler arm bracket has been cut so the lowest bolt would fit.

While I feel the engine has another 10 years of life left, I wonder how realistic it is trying to keep the truck on the road now that parts availability in Australia has become a lucky dip.

Apologies in advance, but I access the web at work, 3 days per week, so replies are going to be a little slow in coming. Thanks again, for the quick and useful replies. If not for this site my old Terrano would have been off the road years ago.

cheers,

Roy

solarman216 · 07-05-2021, 10:46

Milner off Road in the UK will have them but do not know if they ship to you, Euro Car Parts have them and advertise international delivery, Rick

Banshee · 09-05-2021, 00:11

Here's a comparison of both types

nimbinbid · 10-05-2021, 07:07

Thank you all and sundry for your helpful replies, they've given me hope that the old girl might see out a few more years.

The ball joint theory does indeed make sense. Is it safe to drive in the meantime? Since my next roadworthy inspection isn't due until December, there ought to be ample time to chase down these elusive spares.

Cheers ,

Roy

05-05-2021, 10:49	#3
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	Yes wrong ball joint I had the very same issue when replacing the joint on my Mrs motor and found as elty says they had supplied the joint for the earlier motors, got the correct one and all sorted, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

07-05-2021, 02:26	#4
nimbinbid Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia, NSW Vehicle: 1999 Terrano II TDI 2.7 Posts: 52	Keeping my Terrano off the Scrap Heap Thanks for that. Neither several suspension specialists or our regular village mechanic had any suggestions over the cause. Guess you can't beat experience. Which brings me to the next question, where can I get a replacement? The ball joint in question was the only "compatible part" I could find that would actually fit. In the process I also noticed that the idler arm bracket has been cut so the lowest bolt would fit. While I feel the engine has another 10 years of life left, I wonder how realistic it is trying to keep the truck on the road now that parts availability in Australia has become a lucky dip. Apologies in advance, but I access the web at work, 3 days per week, so replies are going to be a little slow in coming. Thanks again, for the quick and useful replies. If not for this site my old Terrano would have been off the road years ago. cheers, Roy

07-05-2021, 10:46	#5
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	Milner off Road in the UK will have them but do not know if they ship to you, Euro Car Parts have them and advertise international delivery, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

09-05-2021, 00:11	#6
Banshee Moderator Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: West Midlands Vehicle: 04 2.7 SWB Terrano II Van Posts: 13,526	Here's a comparison of both types __________________ Moderator 04' Terrano II SE 2.7 TDi SWB Commercial in Silver - Project Thread Toyo Open Country M/T 33's on 10J Steels, Super Strong Steering Job Navara D22 Snorkel, Front LOKKA, Maunal Hubs, EGR Blank TunitII ECU Chip, 3" Body Lift, 2" Suss Lift, Heat Exchanger Black Interior, 3.0 Borg&Beck Clutch, Eckes Heated Fuel Filter 99' Y61 Patrol GR SE 2.8 TD6 LWB in Blue/Silver - Project Thread Engine Transplant - In Progress!!!

05-05-2021, 10:09	#2
elty001 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Aflreton,Derbyshire. Vehicle: 2000se+ 2.7tdi terrano II Posts: 6,832	Wrong lower ball joint fitted by looks of it. Pre 96 mk 1 have a shorter lower ball joint which causes the issue you seem to have.

10-05-2021, 07:07	#7
nimbinbid Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia, NSW Vehicle: 1999 Terrano II TDI 2.7 Posts: 52	Thank you all and sundry for your helpful replies, they've given me hope that the old girl might see out a few more years. The ball joint theory does indeed make sense. Is it safe to drive in the meantime? Since my next roadworthy inspection isn't due until December, there ought to be ample time to chase down these elusive spares. Cheers , Roy