Lower Arm ball joint is spinning, is that normal?
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Niskayuna, NY, USA
Lower Arm ball joint is spinning, is that normal?
Well, I was replacing an axle in my GF's 95 integra. When I got to the end I started to tighten Lower Arm ball joint castle nut, but it wouldn't tighten because the ball joint would spin. Is this normal? Should I replace the whole assembly? Is it safe to drive the car if I tighten it as much as I can, and put the cotter pin in?
Thank you.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Right, Here, .
Re: Lower Arm ball joint is spinning, is that normal? (Niskyspy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Niskyspy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I searched and all the topics I found were saying that this isn't normal and that ball joint should be replaced. </TD></TR></TABLE>
There's your answer, why'd you have to start a new thread?
There's your answer, why'd you have to start a new thread?
Re: Lower Arm ball joint is spinning, is that normal? (all-mtr-teg)
As your ball joint becomes used it is more prone to moving. If you picture what a ball joint actually is, it makes sense. It's just a ball in a socket, with a bolt coming out of it. If the ball itself (the screw) is spinning, then thats ok as long as the ball doesn't have play up and down (you can use a pry bar to check this). To avoid it spinning, you'll need to put a good amount of pressure down on it while you remove the castle nut. Try pushing with your hand, or get creative with a jack or clamp. Sometimes having an extra person to apply pressure helps too. My tie rods did this, but only required a little pressure from my hand.
If you decide to replace, you're not replacing anything other then the ball joint, which needs to be pressed in/out. You're still going to have to get the nut off though. If you decided to go that route, you can tear the bushing and grab it with vice grips. Once you remove the knuckle you'll need a ball joint c-clamp or press to pop the old one out and the new on in.
If you need a c-clamp, I've got one for rent! Just did mine a few weeks ago...
http://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_595103/tm.htm
Good luck!
If you decide to replace, you're not replacing anything other then the ball joint, which needs to be pressed in/out. You're still going to have to get the nut off though. If you decided to go that route, you can tear the bushing and grab it with vice grips. Once you remove the knuckle you'll need a ball joint c-clamp or press to pop the old one out and the new on in.
If you need a c-clamp, I've got one for rent! Just did mine a few weeks ago...
http://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_595103/tm.htm
Good luck!
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