Juans_MX3

So my lower ball joint is worn and I am trying to take off the "castle nut" from it, but everytime I turn, so does the ball joint. Does that make sense?
(taken from a un-related thread)


I turn, and so does the thing that the bolt is bolted onto. But here is where it gets interesting. The nut was loosening up at first, but stopped loosing up when it got to the "hole". The "hole" where a clip is suppose to go through, is now right in between one of the teeth of the castle nut.

Im getting to the point where I am thinking of grinding the damn thing off.

I forgot how I did it on my MX3, so can anyone give me some advice?

Dontoh

tighten it back up, makes sure the threads are okay, if it doesn't work, try using vicegrips on the threads to hold it while you back the nut off.. soak it in pb plaster or wd40 first so you dont have to twist as hard, hence no/less damage

Juans_MX3

Ok I will try that but what if it doesnt work?
I think I did try to re-tighten it and it would just keep turning.

Dontoh

well by the looks of that shop, im sure you can find something to figure it out.. i don't know a whole lot about suspension so i wish i could help more, but i'd just try some basic tricks to start off with

Juans_MX3

Its not my pic. It was from another un-related thread.
I will thanks. If it comes down to it, Ill just hook up the compressor and grind that ***** off

Dontoh

haha that'll work..

habib

Try with an air gun, if that doesnt work put a pickle fork between the lower control and the spindle almost like you are prying out the ball joint from the lower control, that will put pressure against the ball joint and you should be able to get it off

WeakSauce92

You just have to try and put pressure on the top of the ball joint or do the pickle fork thing, as long as you have pressure. but if you're replacing the ball joint (I think you should anyway) just grind it off, less hassle in my eyes. good luck

Juans_MX3

Im doing what you guys are saying about the pickle fork inbetwen the the lower control arm and the spindle and its not working
I am going to keep trying.

I have another question. There is a mechanic shop down the street from me. Although I losened up the castle nut a little, would it be safe for me to drive down there and have them do the job?

I didnt want to come down to this. I usually do all my own work. I am going to keep trying though

b00stFED

if the shop isn't too far throw a cotter pin in there and haul ***. that little drive might give you enough pressure to kinda lock the ball joint into place where it wont spin. if your doing this on the ground then put a jack underneath the lca and put pressure on it. i've had to do this more than once coming off and going back on.

g/l dude

94EG8

Take a block of wood, old piece of 2x4 or something similar, wedge it between the upper control arm and the inner fender/shock tower. put a jack under the lower control arm and jack on it till its starting to pick up the car, remove nut.

Vicep3

Thats the way I do it....

TwoFaced

Ha the 2x4 is nifty...especially if the fork isn't avail...I always just rented a fork from autozone or something.

Juans_MX3

Keep the suggestions coming. I am going to keep trying with the AutoZone pitchfork.

I really dont want to grind it out. Although I will be replacing it, it is my last resort

94EG8

The thing I don't like about the fork is they tend to rip the dust boot. 2x4 method works better too I find, it forces the taper together, the fork actually pulls it apart.

Juans_MX3

OK I finally got it off

AutoZone fork. Hammered that sucker in. But I also had to put a "cheater pipe" on it to make it longer, and I had to stand on it while my dad un-torqued the castle nut.

Lesson to be learned: ALWAYS... always use WD40 before un-torquing castle nuts.

I'll post pictures later for people that will eventually have the same problem

jonesEK

iTrader: (1)

^ lol same thing happen to me.. i accidently broke off the nut.... which worked out in my favor then i just pounded out the ball joint... glad you got it out

Ghost Eg

what yu do is bang a fork not like a food fork but the tool fork and jam it in between the boot and joint. then try twisting the nut down. what the problem most likely is is that yur not getting enough grip and the grease isnt goin to help.

Former User

Doing what 94EG8 suggested would have been faster and easier IMO.

Juans_MX3

Would you be able to draw a picture or something of this?

JdmCoupe91

Being that this is relative...
Anyone have any ideas on removing the "castle nut" that is stripped ?

Its just spins and I need it out to throw my axles in =/

94EG8

I think so too, but i'm biased.

Mad MS paint skillz yo!

habib

Love the picture

94EG8

Turn it with a wrench so you can watch the stud, if the stud spins with the nut you have the same problem as the OP, see my sweet MS paint pic for how to remove. If the stud doesn't move and the nut just spins on it cut the nut off and replace the joint and nut. Btw, often times when you get in the situation the OP is in the ball joints are bad.

Also an impact helps a lot to remove these nuts, and it doesn't always need to be much an impact gun either. I got stuck one time at home, forgot my good air gun at work and had to separate a lower ball joint, nut just spun. I ended up using an 18v cordless impact designed for driving deck screws with a 3/8 drive adapter, it took the nut right off, no problem.

Dontoh

just cut it, it's being replaced isnt it? i did ball joints on a 74 vette and when i ordered them, they sent everything down to the cotter pin