I was excited to take the DIY route on my Honda Accord. I got the Water Pump, Timing Belt, Front Left Axle, and Front Left Ball Joint all changed out.
The problem I am having is getting the nut on the lower ball joint. The ball joint just keeps spinning and spinning. I’ve tried C Clamps, Jacks, Crow bars, vice grips, to hold it down and get friction, but it won’t work.
So looking for any recommendations for a mobile mechanic to help me button it up. (Or any other suggestions to get the nut on.)
@kaizen
I've used "Your Mechanic" in two different cities and was happy with the work. Yourmechanic.com
I’ll look into that. Thanks.
I tried to get a quote, but it looks like they don't take over someone else work, due to warranty purposes. Good to know for next time though!
@kaizen
If you can find a high torque power drill with adapter you should be able to get it off. The thing free spins because it's suppose to to a degree. It's annoying af without enough torque but a big ass full sized drill should be able to fix your problem lol. Good luck
Well heck you can just cut the old nut off with a nut splitter. They don't cost much
I’m trying to get it on, not take it off.
Pipe wrench.... use something in between the wrench and placement to prevent marring if you have a general purpose pipe wrench.
Call local autoparts stores in the area and ask what mech they think would help, call a couple and decide which one if wrench idea above doesn't work/not doable.
Have you tried chasing the threads on the ball joint and nut so you can spin the nut on and finger tighten, then torque? If you did all that and it still spins, then I would take a punch and dimple a few spots in the knuckle to allow it to grip the ball joint so it doesn't spin.
Thanks everyone for your help. I tried the suggestions to no avail.
I ended calling a mechanic over, and guess what... he couldn't screw the damn nut in either!!! He tried everything I tried, except with fancier tools.
Although he didn't get the job done, it was amazing to watch a mechanics mind at work. He thought of ideas on the spot whereas I had to go google and asked on forums for suggestions.
He ended up pressing a new ball joint in, and the nut screwed in fine. Luck of the draw I guess.