Damage to Upper Ball Joint

[Helmuth48]

I replaced the struts in my 95 bird this weekend and in reinstalling the ball joints on the drivers side....I reversed the torque on the upper ( 39ftlbs) and torqued it to 80ftlbs as spec for the lower ball joints....

Question...Could I have DAMAGED the ball joint ????

The threaded stud protudes out about 3/8" longer past the castle nut now than the passenger side....

I plan let my son drive this car back to college this weekend...Is it safe ???

[GTP Dad]

It is possible that you overstretched the threads by overtightening the nut. I would not do anything with this other than back off the torque. By maintaining the torque at a high level it could cause the threads to strip. Monitor it to make sure it does not loosen on its own but otherwise just back off the torque level. If you find the threads damaged you may want to replace it.

[Helmuth48]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

It is possible that you overstretched the threads by overtightening the nut. I would not do anything with this other than back off the torque. By maintaining the torque at a high level it could cause the threads to strip. Monitor it to make sure it does not loosen on its own but otherwise just back off the torque level. If you find the threads damaged you may want to replace it.

Thanks for the replay...this had been worrying me to death!!!!

Yes...I backed it off and then retorqued it to 39 ft/lbs and reinstalled a new cotter pin.....it looked ok and had NO free play or looseness....

I will keep a eye on it...if its loosens up...I am sure there will be some front end vibration or noise going over bumps!!!

Thanks again....