Ball joints loose

[Jarratt39]

So I've had the clicking sound coming from my front end that I know is a bit of a common problem. Isolated it to my ball joints. I went to tighten them up the other day, and when going by the torque specs, they are still a bit loose and making the clicking sound. My question is, how dangerous would it be to attempt to turn the castle nut on the ball joint, one additional turn to the next slot for the cotter pin?

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[Buckhorn]

So I've had the clicking sound coming from my front end that I know is a bit of a common problem. Isolated it to my ball joints. I went to tighten them up the other day, and when going by the torque specs, they are still a bit loose and making the clicking sound. My question is, how dangerous would it be to attempt to turn the castle nut on the ball joint, one additional turn to the next slot for the cotter pin?

I never heard of tightening ball joints. They seat on a taper when installed. If theres movement, it must be in the ball socket itself. Jack it up to take tension off the suspension, and see if you can move anything.

 

[jac04]

There is a TSB on loose ball joint nuts:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/attachments/sb-02-004-21-lower-ball-joint-pdf.235469/

 

[jav_eee]

I never heard of tightening ball joints. They seat on a taper when installed. If theres movement, it must be in the ball socket itself. Jack it up to take tension off the suspension, and see if you can move anything.

There’s a TSB for re-torquing them.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/attachments/sb-02-004-21-lower-ball-joint-pdf.219963/

 

[jav_eee]

So I've had the clicking sound coming from my front end that I know is a bit of a common problem. Isolated it to my ball joints. I went to tighten them up the other day, and when going by the torque specs, they are still a bit loose and making the clicking sound. My question is, how dangerous would it be to attempt to turn the castle nut on the ball joint, one additional turn to the next slot for the cotter pin?

Safe to do. Try it.

 

[Lunentucker]

Torque to spec and then to the next castellation. View attachment 2023 Front Suspension.pdf

 

[Jarratt39]

Thanks for all the help all (and links), much appreciated!

 

[JT1]

Thanks for all the help all (and links), much appreciated!

They may still be bad even after you tighten them, so be prepared.

 

[PW45]

Torque to spec and then to the next castellation. View attachment 2023 Front Suspension.pdf

this here should be pinned for everyone!

good info, glad you're sticking around

 

[Lunentucker]

this here should be pinned for everyone!

good info, glad you're sticking around

The manuals are pinned at the top of the Maintenance section. Anyone who plans on doing any of their own work should grab them.

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