Wishbone radius rod bushing (rubber ball))

blucar

blucar

Well-known member
After many years of being torn down to freshen up the brakes and suspension I have finally gotten around to putting 'Henry' back together.
Putting a new rubber ball on the wishbone has proven to be a very difficult task. I have a new rubber ball which I have had for years, the hole in the ball is much smaller than the metal end of the wishbone.
I need a little help with the installation, of the ball onto the wishbone. All of the vendors tell me that the rubber bushing ball has bee n out of stock for years, so I don't want to screw up the one I have.
 
blucar said:
After many years of being torn down to freshen up the brakes and suspension I have finally gotten around to putting 'Henry' back together.
Putting a new rubber ball on the wishbone has proven to be a very difficult task. I have a new rubber ball which I have had for years, the hole in the ball is much smaller than the metal end of the wishbone.
I need a little help with the installation, of the ball onto the wishbone. All of the vendors tell me that the rubber bushing ball has bee n out of stock for years, so I don't want to screw up the one I have.
Click to expand...

Bill, Is the rubber still pliable or is so old that it had hardened? If it hardened, it's junk.

With a pliable ball, boil it in water for a while. Spray some glass cleaner over the wishbone end and push the hot rubber ball over it. You'll be amazed at how easy this process works.
The glass cleaner will soon evaporate.
 
Start up your air compressor and run out the air hose with a nozzle on the end. With the left hand begin to push the rubber ball onto the wishbone ball. Put the air nozzle into the little hole in the rubber ball and give it a squirt or two of air and the rubber will jump on the ball. Doubtful you will need any lube on it. I have done it this way for over 50 years. Regards, Kevin.
 
Mike,


Liquid silicone works better than window cleaner as a lubricant. Make sure there is a hole in the back of the ball for the air to escape as original, like '32-'34 shock link rubber balls and it will pop right on the radius rod ball (as long as you don't cover the vent hole with your hand.)

,

Or find someone with one of the original K R Wilson special tools for the purpose
 
I used to lub the ball and my palm. push the ball on, covering the small hole with my palm. the ball will inflate and pop on
 
koates said:
Start up your air compressor and run out the air hose with a nozzle on the end. With the left hand begin to push the rubber ball onto the wishbone ball. Put the air nozzle into the little hole in the rubber ball and give it a squirt or two of air and the rubber will jump on the ball. Doubtful you will need any lube on it. I have done it this way for over 50 years. Regards, Kevin.
Click to expand...

This method works for motorcycle grips as well. Use the little hole at the end of the grips, if present. Otherwise insert the air hose nozzle into the grip beside the bar and press the button. It usually will inflate slightly, enough to slide on.

Al Hook
 
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