Trying for the impossible

[nimbinbid]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Here's a comparison of both types

[panelbeater]

if you have 1 can you not send it to him to help him out banshee,i am sure he will pay for it and postage.

[Banshee]

That was a picture from years ago, I don't have any spare at the moment but if he contacts Rob @ Japanese 4x4 Spares in Honiley, he carries both types in stock I think.

https://www.japanese4x4spares.co.uk/

[nimbinbid]

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

[solarman216]

You will scrub your tyres out very quickly and handling will be very bad, Rick

[nimbinbid]

You're not wrong Rick. Scrubbed out 2 tyres so far and gone through 2 roadworthy checks. Guess it's not about to break in a hurry, but it's also far from ideal as I'm keeping my driving down to an absolute minimum. Working on chasing down a replacement via an Aussie site recommended to me on this site via PM. Keep you posted on how it works out.

cheers,

Roy

[Banshee]

Originally Posted by nimbinbid

You're not wrong Rick. Scrubbed out 2 tyres so far and gone through 2 roadworthy checks. Guess it's not about to break in a hurry, but it's also far from ideal as I'm keeping my driving down to an absolute minimum. Working on chasing down a replacement via an Aussie site recommended to me on this site via PM. Keep you posted on how it works out.

cheers,

Roy

Whose that then? I don't know of and decent places in Aus.

Only one's I know of are Sparesbox and that's because I watch 4WD Action

[nimbinbid]

Hi Banshee, I was told https://nizzbits.com.au might be able to help. Got a reply from Garry:

"Thanks for your enquiry. Nissan Australia say these are no longer available and I have checked dealer stock Austalia wide with no luck. However I have a contact in Japan who says he can still get them for me. The only issue is lead time is 5-8 weeks.
Our price for the lower front ball joint would be $210 each including postage to Nimbin."

Hmm, a bit hesitant what with the price and time delay. Couldn't find any at
https://www.japanese4x4spares.co.uk/, but found one at sparesbox (thx for the suggestion) for $287 and now on ebay for $53.

Oh well, there you go, found a few now. Hoping to confirm suitability before purchase and then we're away.

Thanks for all your help, Roy

[solarman216]

I have just ordered two from Euro car parts as spares for my wife's car, I will pick them up tomorrow, I can then confirm they are correct as I have a pair of the early version in stock, I will be happy to send you one if you want, Rick

[solarman216]

Picked them up today and yes they are the correct ones, about 15mm longer from bolt holes to Ctr of ball, if you want one (or even 2) PM me your address and I will get a cost for shipping, Rick