There's been loads of threads and talk about various Ball Joints over the past few years, in particular, since the original Unipart items became NLA.
One type that has come up a fair bit is the Maintenance Free Joints from Classic Minis Japan. I have recently fitted a set of these and hope to do a review of them later in the year.
Classic Minis Japan also offer an 'OEM Type' Ball Joint;-
https://classicminis...em-ball-joints/
I fitted a set to a friend's Moke a little while back, but with Covid, we only managed to seriously test them last May and then inspect them a few months back. Our test track you can see here;-
https://www.theminif...off-again-lads/
I never fit Ball Joints so they are at all tight and of course, i did these in the same way. I found these have a ground finish, just like the factory items did and on a basic hardness test (using a file !), the file just skidded over them like happens on the original joints. So far, so good. I also lube Ball Joints with Molly Grease, same as I use in CV Joints.
On stripping them down, I was impressed with what I found (apologies in advance for the photos - I'm not a photographer !);-
By comparison, from a similar 'test' a few years back with Mini Spares Balls Joints, these didn't fair as well;-
In short, I found the OEM Type Joints from Japan to be good quality, I'd say at least equal to the originals that were made by TRW. I'd be happy to fit these to any Mini or Moke.
And before anyone asks, I have no connection to Classic Minis Japan, these were bought and paid for like any other customer. I've only posted this here as there's been issues over the past few years with Ball Joints and I felt these maybe an option.
