Over torqued Balljoints=Problems?

[camrat68]

I'm currently over hauling the front suspension in my 68 Camaro and going to coil overs and strong arms. ridetech didn't include any torque specs so I fell back on the assembly manual. The torque specs seemed high and I never was able to actually hit the specs in the assembly manual. I found specs on this site http://www.pozziracing.com/first_gen...torque%20specs and trust them but I've already over torqued the passengers side.

So far the only parts that have been torqued are the upper and lower ball joints and the outer tie rod to steering arm.

Will the upper and lower ball joints be OK or should I replace them?

Thanks,
Jim

[David Pozzi]

My web page torque specs are from my 1967 Camaro Service Manual. Usually replacement ball joints come with an instruction sheet with torque specs. I would call Ride Tech and ask for specs, the thread fit & heat treat may be different. Examine your stud and nut threads for damage and see which failed. If the stud looks good, you can replace the nut and be good to go, just make sure the threads are good. If there is any lube on the threads, the torque specs need to be lowered. I don't have the specs for lubed threads.

The usual method is to torque to spec, then turn the nut more to line up the cotter pin hole with the castle nut grooves. The same is done for tie rod ends, pitman arms, and idler arms. So if you can't even get the nut to spec, then there is a problem, unless the stud is spinning in the ball joint. Usually at close to max torque, there is enough friction in the taper to stop the stud from turning.

There have been reported failures of upper ball joint attachment bolts to the A arms when using GM specs on aftermarket ball joints.

[camrat68]

David,
Thanks for the reply. As it turns out my torque wrench was on it's way out and was giving about 30% more than it was set for. I inspected the threads on the studs as well as the threads in the nuts and all seemed fine. I ended up replacing the nuts just for peace of mind.

Thanks,
Jim

[David Pozzi]

I upgraded my home torque wrench a few years ago to a high quality one. It gives me peace of mind. I still carry a cheap one in my car trailer for track use.
I'm glad you found the problem.
David

[protour_chevelle]

search my name, I had a balljoint fail from overtorque.

[camrat68]

I saw where you said "they could point and laugh at you because you could take it" but could only follow you back 8 pages worth and never found the broken ball joint thread.

??

Jim