Today at Atelier Kaz - ex-Honda R&D, F1, Indy/CART engineer

Although I kept trying to push out the RR alignment bolt until the end of today, I came to a conclusion that I won’t be able to achieve it with cost effective and safe method.


Also, agreed with the owner that I won’t even try to pull the lower ball joint out based on the risk management.


After long hours and all the efforts, it is very disappointing and also frustrating because Right side drive shaft inboard joint is the one already leaking and splashing the grease everywhere...


At least, I managed to break the seizure to allow the future alignment service.


As I have the Honda SST and experience, I could try separating the lower ball joint but as always, I must draw a clear line on what I can do, what I want to do and what I can’t do or what I should not do….

For example, I have my own policy of not touching the exhaust area without having the spare O2 sensor before start of the service.



So, this time, I’ll be refurbishing only the left drive shaft.


There was no grease leakage but the boot was already hardened and lots of cracks were observed.

Possibly it’s the original one??


Once the boot was removed, each joints were cleaned and inspected.





While waiting for the paint to dry, started disassembling the rollers.



The grease at the inboard joint was already showing the sign of break down with some brown colour but the rollers were re-usable without major treatments.










However, on the outboard joint, the grease was already black and all three of them were showing the scorching mark.


Two of them had to be carefully smoothed off but required careful touch as you don't want to loose the original curve.


The last one required just a gentle rub.


Once again, it’s time to re-plant 100’s of pin/needle bearings for total of six rollers….


Done.


Ready for the re-assembly.