after putting the lower control arm back on, a friend of mine was tightening the nut of the ball joint (wheel hub to lower control arm) It goes a few threads and then the ball joint starts spinning and the nut won't go any farther.

how do you hold the ball joint still?

 

what should he do?

new ball joint?
new control arm?
new car?

 

last bump...

 

I believe the ball joints "press" into the control arm to keep from spinning. Make sure the angled surface of the ball joint and the inside seat of the LCA are both clean and free from any scoring or gouges. If you can, jack up the LCA until there is pressure from the seat of the LCA on the ball joint. Maybe even get a hammer and give it a few light taps to make sure it's seated. Once it's started in the seat, tightening the nut will just make it seated better so it won't spin. Also , you could try to get a few washers under the castle nut to help pull the ball joint into the seat. Then remove the washers and tighten the ball joint down. If those don't work, I would replace the ball joint first. You could also try "scuffing" the BJ seat surface with a little sandpaper to give it a little more bite. Hope this helps...

 

hey stew, thanks for that.. it worked perfectly.. i'm jdmludes friend
the nut is off,, now i have to go and find a new nut to put on there,, since this bolt keeps spinning.. i wonder what i would have to replace to get a new one, for now i just need it working.. thanks though

mike