Ball joint question

[classic]

On referencing the work shop manual it states on page SS28.
" warning don't forget to fit the washer between the ball joint bellows and the strut" when I took them off there was no washer # 901.341.659.00 which are NLA?

My car is a 69 but I have 72 struts fitted, was there some change to the ball joint design, that doesn't require the washer?

Putting the front suspension back together, and don't want to get it wrong.

Thanks in advance.

[Allen Henderson]

On referencing the work shop manual it states on page SS28.
" warning don't forget to fit the washer between the ball joint bellows and the strut" when I took them off there was no washer # 901.341.659.00 which are NLA?

My car is a 69 but I have 72 struts fitted, was there some change to the ball joint design, that doesn't require the washer?

Putting the front suspension back together, and don't want to get it wrong.

Thanks in advance.

I looked at the diagram on the PET. I believe, pretty sure this is the clip that holds the bellows to the stem, not really a washer and on a new ball joint. Of course you need to line up the slot in the stem with the hole the pin goes though. Thanks.

-Allen-

[classic]

Thanks Allen, yeah the old ball joint don't have the "clip" at the top of the joint, new design maybe?

I'm just cautious when the Porsche manual says "Warning"

[Allen Henderson]

Thanks Allen, yeah the old ball joint don't have the "clip" at the top of the joint, new design maybe?

I'm just cautious when the Porsche manual says "Warning"

I'm sorry I don't know for sure. I'm guessing that in the early days, of German maintenance, it was envisioned that the boot could be replaced and new grease put in; just a guess. Does the manual refer to anything like that. Ed Mayo, might chime in, he see this stuff most every day. I do know that taking off old ones and putting one new ones, there was not washer. Thanks.

-Allen-

[ESully]

I have read that prior to '72 Porsche used a pinch bolt for the ball joint, and in '72 and later went to a wedge bolt style.

[Flieger]

I have read that prior to '72 Porsche used a pinch bolt for the ball joint, and in '72 and later went to a wedge bolt style.

That is correct (At least my '71 has the pinch bolt) but I do not think it makes a difference as far as washers. I know SWB cars had built-up strut/spindle assemblies instead of the later one-piece units. The only washer I know of is the one on the bottom of the A-arm.

[classic]

Thanks for the reply guys, it looks like the early ball joint was maybe a serviceable item, as it doesn't have the little clip at the top and the warning that I was referencing is to stop the grease from coming out.

In the 69 changes section it doesn't mention the ball joint assembly, other then to say that it has been updated, as with most of the front suspension.

The parts manual that I have is for 68-69 and references the part that I mentioned above, which is NLA.

Making reference to an newer parts manual, it doesn't list the washer. Considering from 72 to 89 the strut is basically unchanged and makes no reference to the washer, I'm going with that it must be an updated ball joint design.

Thanks for all your advice.

Tony

[Grady Clay]

Guys,

The ’69-’71 had the ‘pinch-bolt’ type attachment between the ball joint and the strut.
Since there was a slot edge against the rubber ball joint boot, there was a thin hard steel washer (901.341.659.00) between the strut (slot) and the rubber boot.
This was to prevent chafing the boot with the corners of the slot as the steering and suspension moved.

With the ‘wedge-pin’ type attachment, the surface of the strut is smooth where it contacts the boot.
Porsche eliminated the washer.
It matters not if you put the washer there as it is unnecessary.


Hopefully everyone has updated their struts and ball joints to the ’72-> later ‘wedge-pin’ type attachment.
I consider the pinch-bolt to be defective and I think if today’s regulations had been in place, Porsche would have recalled the pinch-bolts.
There is much about this on Pelican.

Best,
Grady

[Fishcop]

Any chance someone has a comparison photo? My entire '69 front end is out and I'd like to understand what I have and what I should change to...

[classic]

John,

If you look at the base of your strut from the inside out towards the spindle if the base has a split where it mounts to the ball joint it is the pre 72 (pinch bolt).

Or I'm sure you have replaced the ball joints since the car has been in your ownership? If you remember if you had the funny looking wedge shaped bolt, you have post 72.