Three Pass Ball Joint Torque Technique
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11
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Three Pass Ball Joint Torque Technique
I am replacing my lower ball joints and the torque specs list a three pass technique - first pass 15ft-lbs, second pass 210 degrees, third pass 52ft-lbs. I get the first and third pass, but is the second pass just an indication of how far to back off (loosen) before applying the final torque of 52 ft lbs?. It seems to me that if I torque to 15 ft lbs and then turn another 210 degrees clockwise, I would go way past 52 ft lbs. So is this trying to say you back off 210 degrees before the final torquing?
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,691
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From: Denver, NC
I am replacing my lower ball joints and the torque specs list a three pass technique - first pass 15ft-lbs, second pass 210 degrees, third pass 52ft-lbs. I get the first and third pass, but is the second pass just an indication of how far to back off (loosen) before applying the final torque of 52 ft lbs?. It seems to me that if I torque to 15 ft lbs and then turn another 210 degrees clockwise, I would go way past 52 ft lbs. So is this trying to say you back off 210 degrees before the final torquing?
On the ball joint, the initial light torque sets the alignment and is low enough that the room for error and variance is very low. Gets the 2 cones of the bolt and spindle aligned.
Then the turn is always the same degrees - never a variance. This ensures that for some reason had the wrench clicked before their desired clamp load, there is no variance.
GM is then using a final torque to ensure it is at least that tight.
With this fastener in an aluminum spindle, this is not to stretch the bolt. You would damage the spindle before attempting a torque to yield on a bolt of this diameter in the aluminum.
It's just a more accurate method.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Sep 26, 2024 at 11:04 PM. Reason: spelling errror
Race Director
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Ed is right. Another thing I'd like to point out is there are two different type fasteners that are often confused with each other. One is TTY, or torque to yield. The other is TTA, or torque to angle. Torque to angle fasteners can generally be reused. Torque to yield fasteners generally can not, because the material has "yielded," aka the elastic limit has been exceeded.....
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Very helpful, thanks - it just occurred to me that the second pass of 210 degrees might be without holding the spindle secure - in other words, letting the shaft turn in the aluminum to make sure it is seated, then continue with the third pass, once again holding the shaft steady. Does this sound right?
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