Thread: A-frame ball joint removal

Originally Posted by Ranga

Well, today was a right PITA removing/replacing the ball joint.

Basically, the trouble started when trying to remove the bottom nut and it just kept turning the whole ball joint. This was an adjustable unit, and despite tightening it as much as possible (yet another PITA, even with a custom tool for the slot - why not just have some sort of hex nut on the top!!).

Eventually we realised we would probably have to remove the whole unit, by removing the 4 bolts that hold the bottom plate in place.

Anyone know of any other tricks in this situation?

A lot of anti-seize was used on the bottom nut of the new unit - hopefully this won't be so troublesome next time. Also, how many kms of standard driving (not hard-core off-road) would you expect out of an adjustable unit?

Possibly the nut wasn't tightened up as much as it should be Ranga - this is separate to the adjustment on the slotted adjustable top. I would expect a lot
(at least 100k) from an adjustable one (provided it was a quality one).

Originally Posted by Bearman

Possibly the nut wasn't tightened up as much as it should be Ranga - this is separate to the adjustment on the slotted adjustable top. I would expect a lot
(at least 100k) from an adjustable one (provided it was a quality one).

I can't work out how you could really that tighten it right up - would the ball/bolt just spin once it reaches a certain torque?

Originally Posted by Ranga

I can't work out how you could really that tighten it right up - would the ball/bolt just spin once it reaches a certain torque?

Because it has a taper it should tighten without spinning. I guess the exception would be if the nut becomes tight for some reason before the pressure comes on the taper. It works the same in principle as when you fit a new tie rod end/balljoint.

If the taper is worn the nut can bottom before being tight.
The answer is to just add a thick washer or two underneath the nut.
That will pull the taper down tight.
Regards Philip A