Upper ball joint fix
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Killeen Great State of TEXAS
Upper ball joint fix
Don't know if this has happened to anyone so I decided to post my problem on the forum to help someone else.
I ordered my drop bolt kit from a well known corvette supplier here on the forum. I decided to install them and did the driver side with no issues. I proceeded to the passenger side where I encountered my problem. As I was loosing the upper ball joint the joint started spinning, so I used the appropriate allen wrench to loosen the nut. It was very tight, and I didn't realize how weak the allen wrench was until it snapped. I had another one to replace the first one that snapped and that one snapped too, but this time inside the upper ball joint. At first I tried to drill the broken allen head out, not enough space to do that. Then I tried to flip it, by knocking it with a "metal punch". That didn't work. So I pulled out my dremel tool and cut slot in the bolt, so a flat head screw driver could fit. I then used the stubby flat head to secure the ball joint and tighten the nut. The nut shown is the one I used temporarily from Home depot. The right part number is 3537772 from the dealer. This will at least save you until you get another spindle. BTW I got a set of craftman allen wrenches for my tool box. Hope this helps.
I ordered my drop bolt kit from a well known corvette supplier here on the forum. I decided to install them and did the driver side with no issues. I proceeded to the passenger side where I encountered my problem. As I was loosing the upper ball joint the joint started spinning, so I used the appropriate allen wrench to loosen the nut. It was very tight, and I didn't realize how weak the allen wrench was until it snapped. I had another one to replace the first one that snapped and that one snapped too, but this time inside the upper ball joint. At first I tried to drill the broken allen head out, not enough space to do that. Then I tried to flip it, by knocking it with a "metal punch". That didn't work. So I pulled out my dremel tool and cut slot in the bolt, so a flat head screw driver could fit. I then used the stubby flat head to secure the ball joint and tighten the nut. The nut shown is the one I used temporarily from Home depot. The right part number is 3537772 from the dealer. This will at least save you until you get another spindle. BTW I got a set of craftman allen wrenches for my tool box. Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Next time try putting a tie down strap over the upper arm down to your floor jack and jack the spindle up against the ball joint so the taper grabs and you can tighten or loosen the nut.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Killeen Great State of TEXAS
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
For the upper ball joint not to turn, the upper control arm needs to have pressure applied upward towards the spindle. Your theory would work on a lower ball joint. My recommendation is to simply use a pry-bar from the shock mount applying pressure upwards from underneath the upper control arm. An 18mm socket on a long ratchet will work fine to remove the nut.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
You're right, the arm is under the spindle so find a way to push the arm up into the ball joint. The spring will provide the downward pressure on the spindle. At any rate, pushing the joint together will hold the ball-joint from spinning so you can get the nut off or on.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Killeen Great State of TEXAS
You're right, the arm is under the spindle so find a way to push the arm up into the ball joint. The spring will provide the downward pressure on the spindle. At any rate, pushing the joint together will hold the ball-joint from spinning so you can get the nut off or on.
