Hi guys
I am working on my 2000 Nissan Maxima changing the lower control arm because of bad ball joint. The problem is that when I put the ball joint bolt into the steering knuckle I can't bolt the LCA to the vehicle frame because the holes don't match. If I put the bolts first then the ball joint and the steering knuckle stay too far from each other and I can't connect them. What can be the reason for that. Am I doing something wrong or the aftermarket part I am using is not a perfect fit I am out of ideas. I read all the postings about lca replacement but cant find somebody else who had the same trouble. Any opinion is highly appreciated. Thanks

 

That of course is not right. Take the new lca off of the car and lay it on top of the old one and see if they are identical.

I have always bolted the lca to the car body first and put the ball joint in last, but it really doesn't make any difference which way you put it on.

 

Thank you for the advice Dennis.I will be working on that tomorrow again. I tried many times different combination of putting the bolts back but nothing work. I also measured the old and new one and they look identical but will measure them again. It is very wired situation. I did so many much more complicated repairs on my Max and now I am so sad seeing him staying on the parking because of that. I will also try to put the old lca on and if it fits then I will assume that the aftermarket part I have is the culprit.
Another thing that I think could be my mistake is that I didn't disconnect the struts assembly from the steering knuckle. Do you think this is essential? I saw some videos people doing this job without disconnecting them and some other advice to disconnect.

 

I leave the strut connected to the steering knuckle. I don't think you get you any advantage by taking the strut off.

 

Thank you. I also think it is useless.