QUICK HELP NEEDED! Torquing Ball Joint on FrontWheelDrive LCA?

[bowtieman55]

There's no room for a socket/torque wrench and I've tried a crow's foot; it gets twisted and bound up. I need to get this nut torqued to 55ft/lb. Any suggestions?

 

[Jeff B]

Put a wrench on it & pull it tight. Put a wrench on it & smack it with a hammer a few times.

 

[bowtieman55]

I thought about doing that; just wasn't sure if that was the "right thing" to do on a FWD balljoint setup.

 

[Croatan_Kid]

You can pull 55 lbs with your index finger...as long as it's not going in aluminum or sealing water, coolant, or oil....I get it TIGHT.

I've also tried to tell many people (not saying you did this, just explaining) that when you work on a front end, take a few extra minutes and just take the whole knuckle off. It makes life so much easier and saves you a lot of cuss words and frustration and you can get to everything much easier. Pop the CV axle nut, pull the tie rod end, and just get it the hell out of your way. I can't tell you how many guys (when I worked on base at their Hobby Shop) would go to do lower ball joints and want me to hold the knuckle while they beat something with a hammer. Sorry, but I like my fingers

 

[bowtieman55]

I got it squared away. I German torqued them and all seems good. Thanks fellas.

 

[Croatan_Kid]

goodantite?

 

[bowtieman55]

You got it

 

[a_kelley]

I usually go german spec, but "proper" would be a box end adapter, like a crows foot but its a box end..