Front Upper Wishbone Ball Joint Repair Kit - 4.2, S1

[Phil P]

I've just come to install the front upper wishbone, ball joint repair kit and wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction as to where the clear plastic top-hat cylinder goes - and which way up it's meant to be. I don't think that its shown in the Spare Parts Catalogue. I've spoken to SNG who can't help.
Many thanks,
Phil

[abowie]

It's just a packaging piece to protect the taper.

[Phil P]

Thanks Andrew. Although it does have a tapered inside it's of too small a diameter to fit. I wondered if it was intended to fit inside the spring and channel grease directly from the nipple to the back of the ball and seat.

[mgcjag]

Does it fit the thread as a packing protector?...for an answer call the manufacturer...Steve

[abowie]

Hmm. Then I don't know. I've always assumed they were packaging and chucked them in the bin..

It is shown in the picture on SNGBs site. Maybe it holds the gaiter somehow.

[mgcjag]

Ok done some digging the "top hat" plactic part is a replacement for C23046 which is a rubber sleeve for the bsll pin taper to assist in sealing the gaiter.......its shown in the S2 parts catalogue ....and on the SNGB site drawing for S3 upper balljoint.....the ball kit RTC2203 is suitable for all models....but not nessecarily all parts are needed.....not sure when the sleeve was introduced......think from S2 cars........the replica part will fit if heated in hot water.....Note it needs to be pushed down further than in the photo to get the taper pin into the upright taper hole.......my understanding is that the rim of the top hat stops grease comming out between gaiter and taper pin.......Steve

[abowie]

Interesting. It'd have to push a long way down the taper as most of it is in the stub axle when assembled.

I suppose as it gets stretched it makes a seal with the gaiter.

[Phil P]

Thank you Steve & Andrew for taking the time to investigate and respond.
I've looked at the SNGB S3 configuration and it indeed does look as if it could be item 11, the sleeve.
I'll try it and if it splits, no harm done as I don't think it's essential.
Yours,
Phil