Torquing ball joints and cotter pins

[Skip Fix]

Putting the new suspension togetherfinally. Torques the new Howe ball joints to the same specs as MOOG. (Howe tech says they are not on the instructions because they have no specific guidelines). So every one of them the hole is almost obstructed. Maybe 1/2 opening. Tightening would take almost a whole extra notch to open it so alot more torque on it. There were some pictures here of a broken Hoew ball joint stud so a little leary of that much extra torque.

I guess adding washers could get it in a different spot.

[b-man]

I just received some new MOOG upper balljoints to use on my Tempest.

They came with instructions that mentioned using washers so you could maintain the 50 to 60 lb. ft. torque on the stud nut and still keep the cotter pin hole lined up with the castle nut.

[andrewb70]

I just received some new MOOG upper balljoints to use on my Tempest.

They came with instructions that mentioned using washers so you could maintain the 50 to 60 lb. ft. torque on the stud nut and still keep the cotter pin hole lined up with the castle nut.

I always set the torque wrench to the low setting, then just tighten it more until the cotter pin lines up.

Andrew

[Skip Fix]

"I always set the torque wrench to the low setting, then just tighten it more until the cotter pin lines up." Started there and then going to the upper range the hole is still covered. The Howe's come with one washer I guess I can add another and see where it ends up.

[z65mm6]

There's a trick I use for wheel bearing nuts that would work here as well. I hone the end of the nut on a wet stone, or with a piece of wet dry sandpaper glued to a piece of glass. a couple thousands is usuall all that's needed

[David Pozzi]

Most ball joint instructions say to torque to the stated value, then tighten more until the cotter pin can be inserted.

[b-man]

Copied directly from my MOOG ball joint installation instructions:

NOTE: Some models will require the use of one or more washers supplied between the steering knuckle and slotted nut to provide proper alignment of cotter pin hole. Install slotted nut "F" supplied and tighten to 50-60 foot pounds of torque. Tighten nut to nearest slot if necessary to align with hole in stud and lock with a cotter pin.

[JRouche]

There's a trick I use for wheel bearing nuts that would work here as well. I hone the end of the nut on a wet stone, or with a piece of wet dry sandpaper glued to a piece of glass. a couple thousands is usuall all that's needed

I like that idea. Clean off any burrs and make it a good sliding surface for torquing values. Its not like you are torquing for major vales. What I like to do is over torque it to seat the bearing surface and push out all grease and debris, yeah, dust. Then back it off and then torque it down to specs. Still missing yer hole? Take it up in torque to the next hole. It will be fine. JR

[Skip Fix]

I've always just torqued it higher but never had a whole slot to go either.

And after seeing that broken ball joint here maybe a little leary also.

[Skip Fix]

Well yesterday after taking them off and on several times and retorquign they finally got close enough to just need a little tweak.

Now on to bleeding the new Wilwoods

[andrewb70]

....

Now on to bleeding the new Wilwoods

Do the "clear tube in a clear bottle method." It works great and you can bleed breaks without a mess and by yourself.

Andrew

[Skip Fix]

Got them bled , now have to replace an O ring in the NEW line lock! Found it leaks with pressure, that after chasing replacing the fitting at the MC(Edelmann 5/16 IF to 1/4 IF was too short for the Vette MC and the hex hit before the flare sealed.Hit every auto parts store and finally at the second ACE they had one with longer threads!

[T_Raven]

I've always just torqued it higher but never had a whole slot to go either.

And after seeing that broken ball joint here maybe a little leary also.

Was there a specific thread about a broken ball joint? I'd like to check it out if someone knows which thread. thanks

[derekf]

Probably this one:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ken+ball+joint

(search terms: broken ball joint)

[protour_chevelle]

Was there a specific thread about a broken ball joint? I'd like to check it out if someone knows which thread. thanks

point and laugh at me. I'll take it.

[T_Raven]

Probably this one:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ken+ball+joint

(search terms: broken ball joint)

Thanks, I searched before I asked and by searching for "ball joint" in threat titles it didn't show up, but those words are in the title..weird.