I am trying to undo my lower suspension arm balljoint (ford cortina). I going around the car checking and tightening all bolts etc... Problem is as it is an old thread, it has got a bit of rust on it and instead of the castle nut turning out of the thread, it turns my nicely greased ball jount instead!

I want to undo the bolt, so I can clean it up for final assy with a split pin etc. Any ideas how I can stop the whole lot rotating?

I've tried:

* releasing oil (for several days now).

* getting someone to stand on the upper susension arm to try to compress things.

* standing the car on it's own weight

* Jacking it up.

There must be some way of sorting this... any ideas?

Have you tried jacking the car under the balljoint? Or giving it a tap underneath to re-engage the taper?

Cheers

Chris

A few suggestions (assuming it's impossible to grip the threads in any way):

1. Tap the nut gently all around with a hammer like one of the ladies with a jar top.

2. Wedge a screwdriver or some other suitable blade under the nut while turning off the nut; maybe the tension will immobilize the joint enough.

3. The Hard Way: Drill a small hole in the end of the stud so that you can turn in a screw to grip while turning off the nut.

BoL,

Pete

[Edited on 25/8/03 by pbura]

Try two blades in a hacksaw, and cut a slot across the centre of the end of the thread, then use a screwdriver to stop it rotating. Also, give the nut a quick blast of heat, and then let the heat in the nut transfer to the threads. It should "break" the joint without damaging the rubber boot, or setting fire to the grease.

A nut splitter will work if you have the space to use it. But you will have to get a new castle nut.

Leif

Thanks for replies.

It was looking like I was going to have to use a nut splitter, however resting the car directly under the ball joint with a heaver person (me) standing on the upper suspension arm and yet more WD40 releasing oil finally got the nut to turn...