I have to replace my right control arm because of a previous accident. I went to loosen the balljoint stud nut and the stud turned with the nut. Is there something terribly wrong? How can I remove it? Also, is it hard to replace a tie rod? Thanks

 

Okay just a guess here. Sometimes the top of the tie rod end is squared off so you can hold it still w/ a wrench while you loosing the nut w/ another wrench. Even if you get the nut off the tie rod, it still might be stuck. A couple of whacks w/ a hammer might loosen it.

Honestly though, most shops probably use air tools to get it off fast.

 

Sorry for the confusion. The balljoint that I can't remove is the one attached to the control arm. The thing (stud from ball joint) just turns and the nut won't come off.

 

You have to apply pressure to the ball joint to prevent it from moving. Using your floor jack, jack up the outer part of the control arm right underneath the ball joint. This will prevent the ball joint from rotating. Spray the nut with Liguid Wrench and let it sit for 5 minutes. This should loosen the nut considerably.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Hopefully, I'll try it sometime this week (college and work during the day). Is it normal for the stud to spin without pressure being applied?

 

Yes, the stud is part of a ball that fits into a socket, hence the name "ball joint." It is designed to rotate when the wheels are turned. If there is not pressure on the joint, it will spin as it was design to do. If you apply pressure, it is harder for the ball joint to rotate in its socket.

 

A lot of whacking and prying lol, sometimes it boils down to that.