S_Johnson

Ok, so, I've used the search feature, and I can't actually find what I need.

A while back my ball joints were replaced, but the passenger side keeps coming loose. I notice wandering problems, and I check it, and it's loose. This time, I couldn't tighten it, because it just spins when I crank the nut :/

I have several questions:

A: The nut on mine is way below the cotter-pin. Like, the pin sits too high for it to go through the castle nut, is that normal?

B: The nut is sunk down into the spindle some, like, 1/4 inch or so? Is that normal? Also, is there supposed to be a washer? I don't understand how this works without a washer, but mine doesn't have one, could that be causing the loosening issue?

C: Does the "bolt" portion of the ball joint rotating when I try to tighten mean it's broken? It seems tight once the nut gets tight...

This just keeps happening, no matter what I do, and it's driving me insane. Not to mention it's REALLY dangerous, because it gets loose, and can snap the ball-joint eventually... That actually happened the first time it came loose, and they replaced it again.

someone972

iTrader: (2)

A. No that's not normal, the cotter pin should be going through the "towers" on the castle nut.

B. From what I recall, the nut should just be sitting on top of the spindle and not down inside it.

C. The bolt should be able to rotate, otherwise the spindle would bind up when turning the wheels.

From what it sounds like to me, it seems like you have some damage to your spindle. Compare it against the other side and see if it's obviously worn. If you can't tell, you may be able to post some pictures up here. Also, make sure it's the right ball joint for your car, if possible.

92RS_Ttop

iTrader: (3)

In order:

A - No, this is not normal. I usually have a problem getting the nut to thread on far enough to get the pin through the stud.

B - Again, no. The nut should sit on top of the spindle arm. There was no washer on either side on my Camaro, and I don't recall using a washer on any other cars I have replaced balljoints on. Sounds like you need a new spindle.

C - Not necessarily. I've had balljoints that do that and were still good. Usually means it's not going to last much longer though. After tightening the nut down, stick a large crowbar in between the spindle and control arm. Try to lift the spindle off the control arm by prying on the crowbar. If you see any movement, think about replacing the balljoint soon. If it makes a thunk noise when you do this, or see more than 1/8" movement, replace that balljoint NOW.

Sounds like you took it to a shop to get them replaced? If so, find another shop. With your spindle worn as much as you describe in B, they should have replaced the spindle too. The fact that they didn't tells me they can't be trusted to fix things tight, don't know how to fix them right, or don't care. Either way, it's your car and your life they are taking chances with.

S_Johnson

Ok, so, thanks for your responses guys. I took another look over the weekend, and I don't think the nut was even loose. I think the spindle is so messed up it's just loose on the ball joint, and the nut can't go down anymore. And yeah, the nut is worn into the spindle about 1/4"

So... I bought a "new" spindle from hawks, I'm going to get a new ball joint as well, and I'm replacing my struts/shocks while I'm at it (the fronts are shot, getting KYB AGX adjustables).

Any special tool I need to replace the ball joint? I have various hammers/mallets, but I'm not sure if I need a special tool.

Thanks!

someone972

iTrader: (2)

You probably will want to buy or rent a ball joint press. It will be difficult getting the old one out and the new on in without damaging it otherwise.

S_Johnson

Cool, thank you!