Windscreen Wiper Link Ball Joint

[stuarthardy]

Snaplock Joint

Hi Folks

I'm looking for one of these shown in the attached photograph. Actually, I'm looking for the spring retention clip that fits on it. Its from the wiper motor link rod where it attaches to the centre wheelbox.

Jaguar parts manual calls it a Snaplock Joint with part number 8684. So far, I've spent months trying to find new but unable to track anything down.

[Art1012]

Snaplock Joint

Hi Stuart,
I am looking to try and find a source for these. Can you measure the diameter of the Ball it fits onto and let me know? This will save me stripping mine down to have a look.
Kind Regards,
Art.

PS
I am taking over the E Type Forum Forum coordinator role as from October mag issue, you can reply on art.lawrence@jec.org.uk.
Cheers.

[stuarthardy]

I spent ages looking for a source of these things and they just weren't out there, until now.

SNG Barratt have very recently started listing these at an eye watering price of £24 for the socket and £14 for the spring clip. A truly outrageous price when similar items are available for less than a tenth of that price. From the images I've seen they aren't even a particularly faithful replica of the original item.

I can direct you to places where you can get equivalent items although you may need to work on them a little.

I will go up the garage tomorrow and have a measure for you anyway.

Regards

[stuarthardy]

Hi Art

The diameter of the balls on the original windscreen wiper wheel boxes are 7.78mm or 0.306", whichever measuring system you prefer. I would guess that would count as a 5/16" ball joint. Threads are 1/4" UNF, if you didn't already know.

However, as usual, there is a difference between the original and the so-called reproduction parts, which have a ball diameter of 7.38mm, or 0.291".

I bought a new wiper rack but when it turned up it came without the drive links from the centre to the outer wheelboxes. Priced at around £120 it is yet another very expensive purchase which, instead of solving a problem, simply added to the list of things to do! I had to make new links, for which I used 316 stainless steel and modified 1/4" ball joints.

Incidentally, the outer wheelboxes have different length crank arms and the longer one should be fitted at the driver's side. Unfortunately, the reproductions come with the cranks all the same length. Another inexcusable omission by the reproduction parts business.

Why do we so often pay excessive sums for what amount to low quality and ill conceived reproduction parts?

Regards

[Art1012]

Hi Stewart,
I think have found a limited supply of these joint assemblies, which will cost approximately £15 to £18 for the complete assembly. Unfortunately it will be neccessary to buy the complete unit, the spring clips and female half are not available separately.

Let me know if this is of interest

Art.

[Art1012]

Hi Stuart,
I now have two ball joints for the correct 7.82 mm (nominal 5/16") ball and machined to the correct 1/4" UNF connection thread. Thhese are £17.50 each, so please let me know if you are interested in these, otherwise I will put them for sale in the Jag Classifieds.
Cheers,
Art.

[rcmcewen]

Hi All,
I bought the "female" part of the ball joint unit complete with spring clip today at the Jaguar Spares Day from RM&J Smith for £17.50.
They had a box full of them!!
Phone 01270 780954
Regards,
Roger

[Art1012]

Wel Done!
I'll put these in the classifieds
Art

[stuarthardy]

Hi Art

Sorry for radio silence. I'll have one of those, if you don't mind.

Regards

[Art1012]

H Stuart,
Thanks for your message.
send me an e-mailto art.lawrentce@jec.org.uk and I will reply with my home address. Post me a cheque for GBP 19.oo to cover P&P with your delivery address.
Regards,
Art