c3 ball joint install
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
c3 ball joint install
I'm rebuilding my 73 small block front end, and I replaced the ball joints with new from Corvette Central. The service manual states that the torque specs for the ball joints are 50'# upper, and 80'# lower. When I installed the ball joints to these specs, I was left with a couple questions:
1) When torqued, the ball joint pin holes are below the castle nuts. The a-arms and spindle are original, just cleaned/painted with new hardware. Several threads indicated that it was OK to put a washer under the castle nuts. Is this still considered OK??
2) When torqued, the spindles are very difficult to rotate. Since I've never done this before, is this to be expected with new ball joints??
3) One ball joint will not accept grease, no matter how hard I pump. I did not attempt to grease before installation. I removed the grease fitting and it flows fine. There is no obstruction under the fitting. Kind of out of ideas...
Thanks!
1) When torqued, the ball joint pin holes are below the castle nuts. The a-arms and spindle are original, just cleaned/painted with new hardware. Several threads indicated that it was OK to put a washer under the castle nuts. Is this still considered OK??
2) When torqued, the spindles are very difficult to rotate. Since I've never done this before, is this to be expected with new ball joints??
3) One ball joint will not accept grease, no matter how hard I pump. I did not attempt to grease before installation. I removed the grease fitting and it flows fine. There is no obstruction under the fitting. Kind of out of ideas...
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
I'm rebuilding my 73 small block front end, and I replaced the ball joints with new from Corvette Central. The service manual states that the torque specs for the ball joints are 50'# upper, and 80'# lower. When I installed the ball joints to these specs, I was left with a couple questions:
1) When torqued, the ball joint pin holes are below the castle nuts. The a-arms and spindle are original, just cleaned/painted with new hardware. Several threads indicated that it was OK to put a washer under the castle nuts. Is this still considered OK??
2) When torqued, the spindles are very difficult to rotate. Since I've never done this before, is this to be expected with new ball joints??
3) One ball joint will not accept grease, no matter how hard I pump. I did not attempt to grease before installation. I removed the grease fitting and it flows fine. There is no obstruction under the fitting. Kind of out of ideas...
Thanks!
1) When torqued, the ball joint pin holes are below the castle nuts. The a-arms and spindle are original, just cleaned/painted with new hardware. Several threads indicated that it was OK to put a washer under the castle nuts. Is this still considered OK??
2) When torqued, the spindles are very difficult to rotate. Since I've never done this before, is this to be expected with new ball joints??
3) One ball joint will not accept grease, no matter how hard I pump. I did not attempt to grease before installation. I removed the grease fitting and it flows fine. There is no obstruction under the fitting. Kind of out of ideas...
Thanks!
2)Tight is good. Loose, not so good.
3)Don't worry. It will after a few miles. I have found ONE bad zerk fitting in my years.
