I have taken the old ball joints out - pressed in the new ones - when I began reinstalling the last spindle via ball joint first it stopped tightening... now when I try to tighten or lossen the ball joint nut - the ball in the ball joint spins with the nut, not allowing me to do anything - tighten or loosen - I am stuck! has anyone had this happen or does anyone know what I can do??

I was able to get it out - now the ball joint seems really loose! it's brand new - the only thing I can think of is I may have gotten some grease on the ball joint when I had the boot off in order to press it into the spindle.

not sure what to do - maybe take off the boot and try to clean out any grease??

Didn't use the proper ball joint press? I have, on numerous occasions, warned of probable damage to the ball joint by using a standard press, only to be ridiculed by hordes of naysayers.

Don't remove any grease from under the grease boot; there should be grease there. But there should be none on the tapered pin or in the tapered hole in the steering knuckle.

Here is what I would recommend:
Clean the tapered pin and its hole so that it is free of grease.
Reinstall the tapered pin in the control arm.
Place bottle jack (or equivalent) under the steering knuckle/lower ball joint.
Apply upward pressure with the jack so as to press the pin tight in the hole.
Install and tighten nut.

If that doesn't work, report back for a second option.

no, I used the standard Autozone rental ball joint press. Does this mean I have ruined my ball joint? do I need to get another one - how do I tell?

I was able to get the whole unit back in and tightened. Not sure why it tightened this time and not last. The ball joint I assume is still loose as in easy to move around in the joint.

well, I am off to try and get it aligned at the local mechanics shop.

I would have bet my next paycheck on that.


If the ball joint was noticibly looser after installation, then it's pretty clear that it was damaged to some extent. Perhaps not "ruined," but it's safe to say that its life expectancy has been shortened.

The ball joint needs to be pressed in by applying pressure to the flange. Squeezing it from the "top" is guaranteed to cause some degree of distortion to the joint.

Stand by for an onslaught of anecdotes contradicting my position!!!

well - I couldn't get it aligned at that point - I had an issue with a tierod - had to replace that first then make an appointment for the alignment (I have a coupon for a free alignment and oil change at Direct Tire) on Wednesday. So we will see how that goes.

I am also learning how to adjust the Steering Box for loose steering. tightened it a bit - steering has seemed to improved a bit - going to turn it some more - - - see what happens.

is it possible to align a vehicle on your own?

yes... if you have LOTS of time and a VERY precise set of tools.
the most an average DIY can do is set the toe in. SOME diy's can set the caster. camber is quite a challenge.

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

The FSM mentions using a 6mm spacer between joint and lock nut, torque down, back off a bit, remove spacer, re-torque. I use an open end wrench.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

alright - had it aligned - still pulling to the side a bit but believe that is due to a worn driverside tire that needs to be replaced. My plan is to replace all the tires now that it is aligned - balance etc... see what happens.

I took the SD to the dealership for an alignment, they insisted on new tires so as to properly adjust. They also insisted on replacing the tie rods, and center link ball joints. Firestone refused to align siting "a weighted" front end. The dealership dismissed this as old school, and the new laser aligners don't need that, one of the few items of accurate info from them. Took it to Sears, laser aligner, and a warranty that I have not had to use.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

funny thing.. I ordered two LBJ's from my parts guy.He also uses worldpac as well.. I get two joints in and surf n turf an me get one installed.. well.. a napa one since me, him and his buddy screwed one up with our AJE(at joes expense tool) ripped the collar off.

So.. The napa one went in fine after the AJE V2.0 was created...

He suggested I take a spare spindle to the dealer.. check.. did that a week later... take the other Febi brand out and give it to the tech.. he puts the ball joint into the hole and it goes it.. slips in!

what the heck?? We go to the parts counter and get a Mercedes boxed one and it has to be pressed in like they should be.

some times things are odd like that.

I don't see how the AZ press could damage the BJ if used properly. I've done a few and never had any issues.

Can you explain how the MB press differs?

Don, are you saying the febi joints were a loose fit in the spindle?

The configuration of the spindle makes it impossible to use a conventional press "properly." The MB press is designed to fit in the available space; it applies pressure at the ball joint flange; that's not possible with a conventonal press.

I think I remember having that same problem. You might need the car on the ground (wheel on of course) to finish torquing the nut.

I think what I did is lower the car on the ground. The hub is pushed DOWN by that verticle rib looking piece (brain fade) that connects the hub to the upper controll arm at the top of the suspension and the car is pushing UP at the lower control arm with the wheel on the ground.

The weight of the car sandwiches the ball joint and prevents the ball from spinning and you can torque the nut on the ball joint to spec.

I've slept since then so I hope I remember that right...

__________________
~shell
As of 2/2010:
2001 CLK55 0o\=*=/o0
13.6 @ 106mph
10K mi
1984 300SD
260K mi and going and going...
97 S600
46K miles
1991 Sentra SE-R (extremely dorked with)
www.se-r.net

I know what the AZ press looks like. What does the proper MB one look like? Does the ball joint press fit around like a socket?

__________________
RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K