Need advice on removing castle nut from lower ball joint (solved)
#1
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Need advice on removing castle nut from lower ball joint (solved)
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?
(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?
#2
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
I think I did try to re-tighten it and it would just keep turning.
#4
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
I will thanks. If it comes down to it, Ill just hook up the compressor and grind that ***** off
#7
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
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#8
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
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
#10
Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
g/l dude
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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.
#12
Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
#13
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
Ha the 2x4 is nifty...especially if the fork isn't avail...I always just rented a fork from autozone or something.
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
I really dont want to grind it out. Although I will be replacing it, it is my last resort
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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.
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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
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
#18
Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
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.
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Re: Need advice on removing lower ball joint
Would you be able to draw a picture or something of this?
#21
Re: Need advice on removing castle nut from lower ball joint (solved)
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 =/
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 =/
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Re: Need advice on removing castle nut from lower ball joint (solved)
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.
#25
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Re: Need advice on removing castle nut from lower ball joint (solved)
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