Ball Joints and Wheel Bearings Replaced

So after a long hiatus we have finally started some work on our Isuzu MU Wizard. The first thing we did was replace the ball joints.

The ball joints had reached the point where it would fall off any time. It would squeak whenever I hit a hump/bump or turned a corner. This led to me grounding the Wizard for almost 6 months.

I know its a long time but I was caught up with work that there was very little time during the day to work on the SUV. Fortunately, I'm starting 2021 with catching up with the vehicle's maintenance.

Last week we replaced all the ball joints and outer wheel bearings. All parts were sourced from Pacific Engineering in Port Moresby.

The ball joints did not require special tools - ball joint puller, etc - but it did require some elbow grease and breaker bar.

While the ball joints were out, we also decided to check the wheel bearings - and yes - they were also kaput. We ended up replacing them as well.

We have also identified that the tie rods need replacement so that has been added to the next to-do list.

In the coming months we will replace the CV joints, rear lift gate (glass) and hopefully put in manual locking hubs.

And I almost forgot, the break lights have stopped working so we are going to get an auto electrician to check it out.

Until next time. Lukim yu!

Comments

List of Repairs to Do on the Isuzu MU Wizard

So I’ve decided to publish a list of things that need to be done on the Isuzu MU Wizard. I started the list on initial inspection of the vehicle but after removing the tires, I’ve noted a few other things that need to be done. There is a tilt so the torsion bars need to be adjusted. Brake cable . The most obvious work that needs to be done is to get the parking/emergency brake cables replaced. I might also replace the rotors and brake pads. The windows and doors need to be fixed . Suspensions . The rear sway bar is broken and also bushings might need to be replaced. I also felt like weight was being shifted too much to one side when turning. This is not good. CV axle . These have been removed for both sides so I will have to have them replaced. Wheel hub assembly? I plan to have this done but it’s not a priority yet. Seats and interior. I will also have to get the seats fixed and the interior cleaned. It is a mess at the moment. Torsion bar ...

Still here, but...

HELLO! Its been a while since I last posted an updated and I'm sure you are wondering what's been happening. Well, life is happening and I don't seem to have enough time to blog, but there have been some positive new, and some bad too! You cant have it either way. The good news first! The good news is that I managed to find shock absorbers for the MU Wizard. It took me a while but I found them in Papua New Guinea's second largest city, Lae. We were driving around after a meeting when I spotted a Motorist Discount Center (MDC) and asked the driver to stop. I got the suspension parts for around K280. Now they are standard shock absorbers for both front and rear. The models for my vehicle were not available but the salesman offered parts that were meant for the Isuzu Bighorn and TR (Faster) which actually share the same chassis. The only things left are the suspension bushings and coil springs. I haven't done the installation yet....

A busted radiator

So the Isuzu MU Wizard has a busted radiator. I tried sealing it with high temperature silicone and it worked for a while. However, the silicone kept coming off because of the dirt. I never bothered to do a through cleaning of the crack. Anyway, I had the radiator removed last week and the Wizard has been sitting idle at the car park. I wanted to inspect it and find a more permanent solution. Below are pictures of the radiator. The rust is a telltale sign of a leak in the radiator. A front view of the radiator. The crack is along the top tank and I could use some epoxy glue to hold it. However, I am not too sure it will last. Hence, I have gone ahead to find a new replacement. Unfortunately, that has not been too easy or cheap. A new radiator imported from Australia will cost me around K800 plus freight and shipping of around K600. In total that is around K1400. Notice the crack. None of the local radiator shops I have approached have provided any pos...

Bernard's Isuzu MU Wizard Journey

Search This Blog