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Need Advice: Can't Get Ball Joint Nut to Tighten (archive)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E34) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Posted by Ed F on August 12, 2001 at 20:27:58:

Just replaced struts, springs, thrust arms, sway bar links and my '93 525iA. A few mishaps here and there but completed everything OK.

Got everything torqued down nicely EXCEPT the ball joint at the end of the thrust arm. When I try to tighen with a 22 mm box end it just spins. Does it on both sides of the car. I've tried tightening it with the suspension loaded (you know, the 150 lbs of sand in back seat, front seats, etc). It just spins.

Was able to get the RH sides fairly tight by pushing down on the control arm so that ball joint seats in the steering arm somewhat. Am fairly comfortable that one is tight enough. I can make the LH side jiggle, though. It's not sloppy but I'd feel more comfortable torquing it down to the values in Bentley's.

Used the nuts that came with the thrust arms, bought 'em from BMA.

I'd sure appreciate any advice. I've spent 2 weekends working on the car and would like to see what my new Bilsteins, springs and 750 bushings will do for the car!

Thanks, guys!


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