Medmanit

I need some help. I have a Honda accord 2001 lx 4 cylinder. It had a squeaky front right strut, so I replaced the strut and assembly. The problem I am having is getting the axle to move up so it can be reconnected to the upper right control arm. The axle appears to have dropped about 3 inches from it's ideal position. How can I riase the axle, so I an connect it to the upper control arm? See image

holmesnmanny

If you have to raise the knuckle you can just put a jack under the lower control arm.

What I do is lift it up into the upper ball joint. Then use a jack to lift the lower control arm until the knuckle top mounting circle is level with the ball joint. Then tighten the castle nut and slip in the cotter pin.

MAD_MIKE

If you just need to raise the control arm and knuckle, do as Ser Manny stated.

If you need the knuckle to go in towards the engine more, but can't. Most likely the inner CV joint dislocated. You will need to gently work it back into its cup and then you will be able to line the upper BJ to the knuckle.

And in future, do not allow the brake hose or ABS wire to hold the knuckle in place. This can damage both. ABS sensor is not too much of a concern, but stress like that on the hose can cause it to rupture, tear, or leak at the swedge fitting. And we all like working brakes.

Medmanit

Great tip and yes it worked I managed to get the two to join. But i think when I hit it with the hammer to get it off in the first place it cause the upper bolt to be stripped, so when I try to pit the nut on it just stops and then the nut and bolt spon together. I can't get the nut to go past the hole for the cotter pin to be inserted. What can I do using basic tools to get the nut on?

accordturb96

thats a common issue in those castle nuts. You can try holding the area where the boot is with vice grips and tighten it. But you may also damage the boot. I usually use an impact gun and hope it works haha

holmesnmanny

Ya maybe try to impact gun it. Otherwise you will need another upper control arm.

Thays why you always put the castle nut on the first few threads until you are ready to mount it to protect the threads.

Also get your hands on a Pittman Puller tp break loose ball joints in the future.

MAD_MIKE

Stud is a bit tricky as the hole(s) through the stud combined with the worn threads from corrosion can easily make the nut thread on cockeyed. Back off and gently thread it on by hand, then use a jack to raise the control arm up to fully seat the upper ball joint. Use one hand to force the upper control arm/bj down while tightening the stud nut with a ratchet.

Torque to 32lbft.

Medmanit

I have an impact gun I will give that a try.

MAD_MIKE

If the first thread or two are knackered, file them down a bit if the stud has been musroomed. If the nuts threads are fubarred purchase a new one. Don't force/spall the threads.

accordturb96

Dam those things are toast haha

HonBeer

Use a thread chaser.

Medmanit

Thanks, I filed the stud down one thread , fortunately the stud was not mushroomed. The applied car to get rid of the rust and used a Drexel to brush off the rust and dirt. Afterwards, it went on easily, I hand tightened it and tightened with a ratchet. Thanks again