As per title. Failed the MOT today as the ends were worn out and wobbly.

 

Question is, is it worth trying to get new ends and repair, or buy a lockout kit and replace the lot.

 

The garage aren't able to get the parts via their supplier to repair, so the choice is mine.

 

Thoughts and comments...go!

Personally - just by a lockout kit !

 

Is it a numatic hicas or newer electronic ?

If you like the HICAS then get it repaired, if not then delete it, simples.

A fifty / fifty split really, a fully woirking Hicas will have safety benefits, lockout bar will negate all movement at the rear, cost wise not much in it, however if the hicas is removed you must inform your insurance co. as in the event of a claim they could easily argue that a manufacturer safety item has been removed.

 

Jeff TT

Bushes are 80 each, most lock out bars utilize them so removal willstill require replacing them and the arms if faulty. The drift works kit is 200 but replaces the entire unit. Personally the feeling of the rear floating scares me as does the over correction on oversteer.

I agree with Mr Bolt, the DW kit is probably the best option for lockout as you don't need to replace the HICAS balljoints in the hubs.

Its the electronic hicas. I assume that the lockout kits are compatible with this as well.

Its the electronic hicas. I assume that the lockout kits are compatible with this as well.

 

Yes they are, so no worries there.

Ive just removed mine which you can have for the cost of postage !

 

I've just installed the lockout bar but done so not because of any hicas issues.

 

I'll take some pics of the condition tonight when i get home as its just lying in the back door.

 

Lee

 

Its the electronic hicas. I assume that the lockout kits are compatible with this as well.

OK, good advice so far. Once I've got the red slip in my hands I'll have some more info on this, as I'm not sure whether the ball joints are included in the problems.

I personally like the electronic HICAS, so id say keep it. Depend entirely on your driving style, personally ive never had a problem of being able to catch the back when its stepped out with HICAS cars

I too would keep it if it's your road car. Super hicas is faster than the normal HICAS most of us have/had on our early Z's. Just replace the outer ball joints and arms.

Yep if you can keep it mate its a great piece of kit.

Got the results in my hands and it states "excessive play" in the Hicas Balljoints, no mention of issues with the arms.

 

From comments and with my type of Hicas it sounds like I would be better off going the repair route rather than replace.

 

So, next job is finding somewhere that sells the balljoints I need.

Got the results in my hands and it states "excessive play" in the Hicas Balljoints, no mention of issues with the arms.

 

From comments and with my type of Hicas it sounds like I would be better off going the repair route rather than replace.

 

So, next job is finding somewhere that sells the balljoints I need.

 

That's what I would do also mate - when it's working it is just fine. Plus as Z32bolt says, unless you opt for the full DW eliminator kit, you'll still need to replace the ball-joints even if you purchase a lock-out bar.

 

The best place to buy them is from Mike at MJP in the traders section - it's a common replacement item on the ZX so Mike is bound to have loads in stock. IIRC they are about £40-ish each.....

 

....alternatively if you want the whole supply and fit service, and you can get to the Midlands, give JeffTT a call.

 

Richard:thumbup1:

Best jacking the car up and checking exactly which balljoints it is you require or go back and ask the tester. he could have classed either the inner or outer as ball joints. No point of purchasing and fitting the wrong ones

Best jacking the car up and checking exactly which balljoints it is you require or go back and ask the tester. he could have classed either the inner or outer as ball joints. No point of purchasing and fitting the wrong ones

 

I will double check with the tester before I buy anything.

Best jacking the car up and checking exactly which balljoints it is you require or go back and ask the tester. he could have classed either the inner or outer as ball joints. No point of purchasing and fitting the wrong ones

 

a very good point mate and usually its the inners but the tester has failed the outers,seen this several times on front tie rods on steering racks and its play was blamed on the outer balljoint.

I found that the inner ball joints had worn more than the outer, however, once I had replaced the inner there was still play in the outer.

If I was you, I would change both and keep the hicas system. Once you have it sorted you will feel a big difference! The back end feels more planted and as you get used to the system kicking in you will enjoy the handling all the more.