Stripped lower ball joint stud, halp!?

[PaulKim]

Ball joint removal tool slipped and stripped the threads on the front lower ball joint. Can not thread not on each attempt only makes stripping worse. Replaced lower control arm, car is assembled minus the nut on the lower ball joint.

Can’t drive car with no nut on the ball joint. Stuck on jack stands in my driveway. Am I royally $@!#@ and need a tow? Please help

Topic

[college man]

Try a dye to fix the threads or a new ball joint.

[Roy French]

Hi Paul. There is a tool called a thread file that will fix your problem. It is the perfect tool for this kind of damage. They don’t cost much,10 or 15 bucks. The best part is one thread file repairs 4 differant thread pitches.

[PaulKim]

Would this die set work? I believe the one I need is m12 x 1.25 which is in the kit

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-pc-tap-and-die-set-master/p-00952105000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4&pickup=true

The problem is I have to remove the axle nut to even get at the busing and I don’t have the tools to push in out a bushing. That means I’d have to take the whole knuckle off which means 2 more balls joints and if I mess up have to replace upper arm and outer tie rod.

ugh what do you think is best option? Remove everything and have a new tire rod end and upper control arm on hand in case I mess them up? Is there any way I can just put a bolt on cross threaded and try to tighten it or is most likely going to snap the stud?

[Roy French]

A die will be hard to use because the stud will spin as you try to rethread. Try the thread file. It can be used with the components in place. In the kit you have in your post, the two rectangular things are thread files.

[PaulKim]

I cant find any place local that stocks thread files. I am in NYC area, can you tell me where to look?

I really need this car on the road in a week. So I just need at worst something to secure the ball joint so I can take it to a shop and have it replaced.

[Roy French]

I looked, and you can get a metric thread file at Lowes. It looks like they are in your area. That kit you have in your post from sears also has them included. Hope this helps Paul.

[Lorrin Barth]

I know people are just trying to be helpful but this worries me a little. A ball joint coming loose at speed could take a life. I’m more comfortable recommending a new part no matter the frustration of doing this repair.

[619DioFan]

[quote=”barneyb” post=96374]I know people are just trying to be helpful but this worries me a little. A ball joint coming loose at speed could take a life. I’m more comfortable recommending a new part no matter the frustration of doing this repair.[/quote]

I have to agree one hundred percent here. just replace the ball joint.

[PaulKim]

It’s not as simple as “just replace the ball joint”. I dont have any of the necessary tools in my driveway to do that. I need a way to get a nut on there to take it somewhere to get it replaced. I am not suggesting driving with it damaged, just need to get it to a shop.

[college man]

[quote=”PaulKim” post=96398]It’s not as simple as “just replace the ball joint”. I dont have any of the necessary tools in my driveway to do that. I need a way to get a nut on there to take it somewhere to get it replaced. I am not suggesting driving with it damaged, just need to get it to a shop.[/quote]

You may need to have it towed/flat bed to a shop.

[PaulKim]

I thought it through and realize it will probably cost more to tow and have shop do it. I realize what I have to do now.

Get the knuckle off the car and have a shop press me a new ball joint then reassemble. So I order the ball joint and new tie road end and upper control arm just in case I mess up those ball joints too. Also bought a bigger breaker bar and axle nut socket. I loosened the axle nut and the parts should come tomorrow so I can remove the knuckle and find a shop to press new ball joint.

DIY life sucks sometimes, especially when panic and not take a step back and evaluate situation and options.

Thanks for the level headed responses guys, will post if everything works out.

[PaulKim]

Got the knuckle out and dropped it at a shop to press in new ball joint.

Question, a noticeable amount of grease came out of the tie rod end ball joint when I seperated them. The boot isnt torn but doesn’t feel as “full” as compared to the upper ball joint which popped free without incident.

I bought a tie rod end and upper control arm just in case something went wrong so I can replace it, but rather just hold it for later if the ball joint will still be fine

[kevin gosselin]

When you put it back together .. If the front end test good and the thread are in good condition, you are fine. If the boots when you took it out has hole in it.. the water can get in.

If you feel unsure. You can get a needle size grease adapter to put on a grease gun. You poke a hole and can fill the rubber end. If the grease is there is prevent water. If the boots is torn apart. I would consider replacing it as you will get an alignment done after your repair I suppose.

[EricTheCarGuy]

If you have fittings on the tie rod ends you might want to re-grease them after you’re done. If not and you can remove the boots, just pack the boot with some new grease before you reassemble and you should be fine. This might also help you.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[PaulKim]

I am beyond mad right now, and I just experienced what made me get into repairing my own car in the first place.

I got the knuckle off and brought it with the new balljoint to a shop. He destroys the ball joint trying to get it in. Tells me the ball joint is supposed to come with the boot seperate. I said the honda part comes with the boot attached. He shrugs. Says he has been doing this 27 years. So then he says he can get a new balljoint for me. So i said how much? He calls his parts guy and says 45 or 90. I said from honda its less than 90, what brand are they? He says I don’t ask brands I just ask prices. SO I told him fuk that. Then as I’m going he says I have to pay for his time $30. so i threw it at him and left

I just ordered an 2007 accord knuckle with ball joint ABS hub and bearing from a junk yard. I’m done dealing with this. Next repair I have to do I’m buying an air compressor and whatever tools I need to do it myself. Can’t stand going to places like this.

[Author]

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