Front suspension arms L and R interchangeable?

[Hans Efde]

Hello,
Today I stripped the remains of my lower front suspension of the old subframe for a scrub with white spirit. I noticed that the left and right lower front arm are identical at first glance. I can't see any difference. But they have different p/n's (very difficult to read) and the IPC states that L is NAM5295 and R NAM5296. So there should be a difference. Does anyone know what this might be?

[Stuart]

Ball joint taper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Austin-Metro- ... _500wt_668

[Hans Efde]

Ha ha, yes that's a good one. It's a small taper so I overlooked it. Thanks, now I am 100% sure I install them at the correct side.

[manifold]

Additionallly dont forget theres 2 types of arm too.

An early one and a late one.

The difference is in the taper for the ball joints. The early ones have a taper which coincidentally interfaces with the originaly mini balljoints too and a later one which is a wider taper and I think is matching up with the later Mk3 metro/MGF's.

All the best,

David

[Hans Efde]

Hi David,
Yes, mine must be the later type. Amazing condition after 20 years. Just some surface rust. Yesterday I pushed out the bushings, cleaned and primered them. Friday I will give them 2 layers of black gloss paint and Sunday press in the new Powerflex bushings (always a good excuse for not going to the regular family visits). The Powerflex are quite different from the original, so might come back with questions.

[manifold]

OKdokey Hans.

Dont forget to use that silicone grease they come with.

From memory they fitted pretty straight forward on mine.

All the best,

David

Incidently, the taper on the later ones breaks (when you need it to with the ball joint separater) a lot easier than the early ones.