I am putting my car back together from a tranny rebuild, and i cant get the castle nut to tighten all the way on the ball joint. The stud just spins. Will i need to replace my ball joint or is there a trick to get it nice and tight?

 

replace

 

if you're not already using an impact, try that. if that doesn't work then you're probably better off just replacing it. i've heard too many stories of people who've had there ball joints blow out and end up losing fenders, doors, and worse.

 

Try cleaning threads with thread chaser or tap and die set might help another thing is to jack up the LCA to help stop the ball joint from spinning and as D16SiHatch said inpact gun will help

 

lol i had this problem.use a jack and a wooden block.put the wooden block on top of the UCA and jack up the LCA and make sure there's a good enough pressure on both ends and you will be able to tighten the castle nut.

lol nvm this won't work for lower ball joint.only upper ball joint

 

I had that happen to me once, too. I used a good long pry-bar, and pulled down from the upper control arm to force the tapered part of the lower ball joint into the hole. That prevented it from spinning as I tightened the castle nut, and allowed me to get it tightened sufficiently. Just apply constant downward pressure as you tighten, and it should work for you. you might need a second person to help. Ball joints are a pain, and if it's really loose, and you can turn it in the socket with your hand, it's likely worn, but it's not a high-velocity joint, so as long as the boot isn't torn, and it has grease, it will be fine for a while.

 

hmmm....maybe my trick might work for lower ball joints.never tried on the lower ball joints just the upper ball joints.OP try my trick and it might work for you.

 

Well im just going to replace it. Its only $26 at the auto parts store. How do u take out the old one? I tried hammering it out but it didnt even budge. Do i need to take off the clip also thats on top of ball joint, because i was hammering it with that clip still on

 

That's cheap for a ball joint, be careful. They're hard to get out. You have to remove the snap ring on the top of the joint, you'll need snap ring pliers, and then you have to remove the knuckle and bench clamp it, and hit it with an air hammer, or a large punch and a heavy hammer to pound it out. Over time, corrosion and tension basically weld them into place, and they are tough to remove. You won't be able to get it out with the knuckle attached to the car. You'll likely destroy the old one completely while removing it, but make sure you clean the hole in the knuckle and lubricate it so the new one will slide in easily. You should be able to tap it with a mallet to get it in. The new ball joint will come with a new snap ring, castle nut, and cotter pin, so don't worry about saving any of that.

 

Put a jack under the LCA. It should load the ball joint enough so it won't spin.
Good point above - if you have a tap and die set, run a die over it to chase the threads and clean them up so there won't be any imperfections to hang up on.

 

the problem is the castle nut. you need to either retap the castle nut, or buy a new (OEM) one.

lower balljoint is M12x1.25

i guarantee it will go on like butter. no other tricks needed.

 

I replaced it before and its the same one that went bad again. I was hammering it with the snap ring on. I know stupid. I will take that off and try again. Thanks everyone

 

Weird that it would go bad again. Is this car lowered to the extreme? Ball joints usually last for a long time. How's your camber adjustment?

 

its not slammed i got like a finger between the tire n fender n i recently just got my alignment done. I think its just the cheap autoparts ball joint ima get a oem one.

 

bro all u have to do is use a pry bar and push or lift up on the control arm and try tightning the nut. if the bar doesnt work use channel locks problem solved

 

Just because the screw is spinning doesn't mean it's bad.

If the rubber was busted and grease was coming out then it's bad.

 

It should spin, but not too easily. The motion of the joint itself is to spin in the socket as you turn the wheels, If there's play in it, and it moves up and down in the socket, then it's bad. It's something you can drive on for years, even if it's somewhat worn. I drove on a ball joint with no a torn boot and no grease for two years before I replaced it. It's not something that will just snap unless you're metal on metal for a long time, and it gets brittle.