I just replaced my axle, on the pass. side, now as I'm putting it back together, the bolts for the lower control arm and the steering(both have cotter pins that go through them) WON'T HOLD. They just turn whenever I try and put the nuts back on. HELP PLEASE, this is frustrating the hell out of me.

 

please someone....i need help

 

Clean the bolts and nuts with some degreaser then put fresh oil on them. Also make sure the threads are in good condition.

 

so u r saying that the bolts are spinning with the nut when u try to tighten them?

 

yes, and when trying to separate the bottom one, I pounded on it a little with a hammer, I know I know, stupid, so it's a little banged up, but the threads are still good, however, the steering arm one is doing the same thing.

 

The ball joint threads are just spinning? That's not so good. Try loading down the suspesion while you put the castle nut on. maybe put a jack under the LCA and lift up.

Or just get new tie rods (you said the steering ones right?)

 

tried holding it from the top, worked a little...but here's another thing, what about if they need to be removed again?

 

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#18 and #20 Right? $43 each.

 

that means that the ball joints are bad bc they are turning also
use an impact gun.... that will hit and turn hit and turn til they come out.....

all i gotta say it sget new ball joints.... lifetime warrant on autozone

 

yeah that's the one, it's only on the right side, I also meant the one right under the hub is doing it too...

 

ok this is a trick, u don't need new ones, for the tie rods, stand up while the wheel is off and the car is jacked up. put ur foot or have a friend put there foot on the tie rod, and have them apply as much body wieght as they can. while u or someone else is tighting the nut.
The trick for the lower and upper ones is to get it to "seat" alittle , put the car down without the nut on, and then jack it back up, or have someone put there foot on the rotor, while u tighten the nut.
If you have an impact, its much easier jus hit it on there with that. it will go.
Goodluck

 

Well after some other ideas failed, I finally said **** it, and I'll go to the junkyard tomorrow and get some used ones, yes I know that it's a risk, but it's a risk worth taking for me, apparently these were already bad, and I'd rather have some with even a little life left in them than pay for new ones. Mainly because i just don't have the money, I'm moving to Phoenix, AZ in less than a week and I need this back together. Thanks for the help everyone, but I'm throwing in the towel for tonight. BTW, any tricks on how to get off the tie rod end, and also how to loosen the nut on the upper control arm to get the entire assembly off? I guess that's the only way to replace that lower ball joint.

 

Dude just use a c-clamp and pinch the 2 ends together leaving just enough room for the nut to clear. The c-clamp might slip a few times before you get it but if you get it tight enough it won't spin at all.