Replacing the Ball Joint Need Pointers
 

okay so i follow both the FSM and the Chiltons...they tell me to remove the calipers and rotors so i did and now i have to remove the HUGE bolt (axel nut :gotme: ) and im confused on what in the world to use to get that off. I dont have a socket that big and was wondering if and of you knoew what to use. also if youhave any other pointers ASAP...it would be much help.

well if you really want to pull the spindle out of the way....
get a socket...get a big thick pipe and get a rachet.

get the bolt off....(assuming you have the tie rod end off the rack) you can wiggle the axle off the spindle.

once that's off the spindle you can get the nut off the ball joint and then get a nice big hammer and pop it out.

if you want to avoid pulling the axle out you'll need to get a nice box wrench in there and turn it one turn at a time and then get a pickle fork and tap it out.

for me pulling the axle is a lot easier than messing with the pickle fork and etc. YMMV.

Dan

does anyone know the right size that is so i can go to the auto parts store tomorrow and get a socket? or does anyone have any other advice.

I am preparing to do my control arms / ball joints this weekend. Autozone will loan you the axle nut socket (36mm) and the pickle fork. You put down a deposit, and get it back when you return the items. Also, craig's site has a writeup for the ball joints and 4dsc.com has a writeup for the control arms. Hope that helps!!

thanks man i forgot all about Craig having a write up on that. thanks

May be an obvious suggestion, but be sure to get an alignment when you're done.

okay okay so im doing this all and now....im putting the axle nut back on and it won't go on easly! do i just put it w/ force or what? i dont want to strip it but I mean it won't go on....please need advice tonight!!!

okay the turbo post is going to blow me away but someone please help me.

grrr the stupid BOLT is starting to strip so what should I do? MRGOne you asked me to post this as an update....now what? grr....i can't replace the axle because the threding is messing upi the bolt.....so what the heck should I do?

Just out of curiosity, why are people removing their drive axle to replace the ball joint. I have done this before without taking the axles out.

Well because most people suggest this.....for easier bolt removal. but i did it all and you could do it w/o.

3 choices here...

1 - get a die and TRY to repair the thread you ruined.
2 - get a new axle and a nut
3 - seek professional help

if you messed up the thread...not sure you're able to use the die correctly.

NEVER NEVER NEVER force something on. if it can't be turned by your hand..something is wrong. c'mon man!!

look at the nut and see if the threads are messed up on that. if you only messed up the axle thread you may be able to cut new threads...or worse case you have to buck up for a new axle.

if you messed up both then:
get a new nut from the dealer - best to get since your current one is iffy
get a new axle - new threads on this
get some bearing grease - grease the threads
get a new cotter (sp?) pin - yours is prob bent to poop
get some ATF/gear lube - the stuff that sprayed u when you pull the axle out

don't even worry about the axle seal now. you're probably dying just to get it back together.

sometimes it's better to take it to a pro.

hey man lol I fixed it all already

thanks though!!!!

the guy just asked a ? so i answered

yeah dont be hammerin on the end of the axle to pop it out of the spindle(youll smash the first few threads and some stores wont give you core credit)iif you must put the axle nut 3\4s of the way on and hit that or use wood or somefin