RansomEli Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Need some advice on tightening down ball joints and tie rod ends.Most of the time you torque the nut down, insert the cotter pin and then bend the pin around the castle nut so it won't work loose. Most of the time.I'm working on a car where my replacement ball joint nut tightens down below the cotter pin hole. Question #1: Do I dare place a flat washer under the nut so that it aligns with the cotter pin hole? #2: Do I just bend the cotter pin into the castle nut as best as possible? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Need some advice on tightening down ball joints and tie rod ends.Most of the time you torque the nut down, insert the cotter pin and then bend the pin around the castle nut so it won't work loose. Most of the time.I'm working on a car where my replacement ball joint nut tightens down below the cotter pin hole. Question #1: Do I dare place a flat washer under the nut so that it aligns with the cotter pin hole? #2: Do I just bend the cotter pin into the castle nut as best as possible? Thanks.I would use a washer to take up the slack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidAU Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I have used a thick spring washer for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 A washer should be OK assuming the deep fit isn't because of a worn female taper or the wrong male taper on the ball joint. I do believe I'd do a bit of checking before I just bolted it up and said "good to go"...............Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 A washer should be OK assuming the deep fit isn't because of a worn female taper or the wrong male taper on the ball joint. I do believe I'd do a bit of checking before I just bolted it up and said "good to go"...............BobYeah....that would be a good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_in_nh Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 I have had that problem before, using new ball joints from Rare Parts Company.I just ended up bending a longer cotter pin to fit into the castle nuts slot.Clients vehicle still checks out OK - has not loosened up.I can't stand aftermarket rubbish! Even junk is still made in the USA.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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