ball joint woes

[Vecken]

Long story short, Maine rust sucks. I was wondering if anyone has the tools to get the pinch bolt holding the balljoint in the steering knuckle. Snapped the head right off. I can remove the knuckle but I have no means to get the stuck bolt out.

I am desperate to get this fixed as my inspection is overdue, whoever can help me with this will be compensated for their work.

 

[Chris]

You have to drill the bolt out now. When you put it back together, put a washer and a locknut on it.

 

[Nigel Prodrive]

...and slap the Nevr-Seize to it, too!

 

[CoupedUpSubie]

Remove the knuckle, center punch the bolt. Make sure the punch is in the center or as close as possible. Also make sure you have a good set of drill bits such as cobalt bits. Those are grade 8 bolts. Start with an 1/8" bit and go up through each size. I want to say the largest you should go is 3/8" but it has been a while since I had to do mine. As long as you drill straight and don't go way too big you will be fine. Last step once you a) leave just the threads

were a tiny bit off center and just nick the threads and spin out the rest of the bolt, is to run a thread chaser or tap through it. This cleans the threads up. Put a decent amount of anti-seize on the new bolts(if you bought quality ball joints they come with the ball joint) and put it back together.

Although you may spend $20-30 on tools you will then have them. I would say I could help but I'm 2.5 hours away and wont be closer for a couple more days.

 

[Matt]

Welcome to rusted bolts. I've always heated the snot out of those pinch bolts. Good luck drilling!!!!

 

[i-wagon]

Use drilling oil, don't overheat the bits. They get dull fast when they're hot and dry

 

[Vecken]

thanks for all the input, provided i have found replacements with good bearings, i feel that its less work to simply replace the whole knuckle assembly off an identical car seeing as these outbacks are everywhere.

 

[Matt]

Very true. I'd still replace everything while its out.