S3 Lower wishbone Ball Joint Taper

[and.nox]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me what taper reamer I'll require to ream the taper on the lower wishbone of a S3 E type. new ball joint has some sideways play. Either specify in inches per foot taper or in degrees. Any assistance would be appreciated.

[PeterCrespin]

Don't follow. The only way a male taper item is loose is if you don't pull it far enough into the female. Reaming out the female will just make the fit looser and need the pin pulled in further? If the female surfaces are rough and distorted that's different. Have you come to the end of the threads? A thick washer would let you pull it deeper although obviously you do need to preserve clearances for full movement without interference?

I *think* the taper is 15 degrees but don't quote me. I think it's near universal so try Googling for a figure?

Pete

[and.nox]

Peter,

The female taper is worn so that its now not a straight taper but instead somewhat flared at the wider opening. Reaming it out will recreate the straight female taper and the pin will be a snug fit, albeit pulled through a little more. It doesn't need much so the clearances should remain adequate for full movement thereafter.
Andrew

[and.nox]

A bit more research has revealed that the most common taper is 1-1/2 " per foot, otherwise known as a 7 degree taper. Can anyone confirm that this is the taper used for the e type. I also understand it's generally the same taper for the upper ball joint and tie rod ends, with these simply being different sizes when compared with the lower ball joint. :(