Hi!

I heard that the top wisbone rod end is a Ford Transit item is this true?

We think that's correct - see: http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=11838

Any help?

But that is for a Locost and not a Caterham.

Why not simply buy the correct part. Fitting the wrong one with the risks of a failure does not warrant discussion surely.

The reason is simple - Caterham use a lot of off-the-shelf parts (a lot), and put stupid mark-ups on them!
I buy virtually nothing from Caterham as a result.
To be fair the above linked part is not one I have seen, but somewhere I have a very large list of the actual parts Caterham use that are from other manufacturers (it is a tad old, but so is my Seven!).
I'll sort it out and post the info here.

Actually, the list was collated by Dorchester...
David, do you have a link to it anywhere?

I will wait for that list. Sounds helpful.

David has provided a copy of the list, and it's now hosted here: http://www.7-dna.com/extras/Lotus%207%20Part%20Comparison%20List.pdf
It actually doesn't list the top rod ends...

Maybe we should all work to update the document?

The top ball joint is off a Fiat / FSO with an unusual 16x1mm thread .

They are available as a Quinten Hazel ( sp ? ) part .
less than £10 on Ebay

Is an adjustable camber rosejoint kit a worthy upgrade?

Or just keep using the "original" part?

Not in my opinion. The standard part has been on mine for 22 years now and is still perfect. Its adjustable just like a rose joint but in all that time its never been touched, once its set up why would it need adjusting, possibly after an accident but in that case it would need more than adjusting. A rose joint would cost much more, need a special spacer, possibly need the taper on the upright machining and then wear out fast.

The expensive kits that replace cheap reliable parts are just plain pointless.

Absolutely agree. Unless they incorporate some substantial safety or performance improvement.....and even then, not at the cost of reliability.

Thanks Caterham Zetec and Hal!

My two track rod ends have their rubber splitting... is there a way of making the new ones last a bit longer? Or is there a life span on these parts?

Check for trackrod end boots on ebay. I got a load for revamping otherwise perfectly useable TREs last year...I'll see if I've got the guy's details.

Or try these... http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-BALL-JOINT-TRACK-ROD-END-RUBBER-BOOT-GAITER-KIT-GRE ASE-FITS-ALL-CARS-/161506286312?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item259a865 ae8&vxp=mtr