Ball Joint Spacers-Cotter Pins

[racephotoman]

Just installed the front spindles originally following the instructions of using a spacer on the bottom so the castle nut would then be high enough so the cotter pin would work. Instructions said nothing regarding using any spacer(s) on the top ball joint castle nut even though two were supplied. Anyway, after initially following the instructions, I realized I needed to use both spacers on the botton, and as the photo shows, no spacer on the top. The stupid question, is it OK to use both on the bottom? and as the photo shows, I think a washer on the upper castle nut areas would allow the cotter pin to get deeper into the castle nut - to me, they are on the fringe of working?

Related question---after originally installing and tighting the castle nuts, I wanted to remove the spindle from the arms----it's really tight in there any secret as to how to remove the spindles? I tried to slightly tap them and nothing.

12082

Walter

[efnfast]

Use the spacers so the cotter pin is fully engaged in the castle nut

To remove it from the tapered seat, put the castle nut on upside down, then whack it.

[CraigS]

I like to use hardened washers there. Luckily my TrueValue has them w/ the Grade 8 bolts. I would recommend not removing the spindle unless you absolutely need to. They are usually a b*tch to get apart. An impact hammer against the side of the spindle where the balljoint passes through will usually vibrate it enough to come loose. A wack or three w/ a sledge hammer will work also but it's hard to get where you need to and easy to damage something else. If you try the upside down nut trick be very careful. A pickle fork will definately work but destroys the boot.
http://www.tooltopia.com/k-tool-international-71502.aspx?utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=KTI71502&utm_campaign=nextag_r1

[jlfernan]

Related question---after originally installing and tighting the castle nuts, I wanted to remove the spindle from the arms----it's really tight in there any secret as to how to remove the spindles? I tried to slightly tap them and nothing.

12082

Walter



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDsci-izhhc&feature=fvwrel

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2561/jorgec.jpg (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=111)

[Jeff Kleiner]

...in there any secret as to how to remove the spindles? I tried to slightly tap them and nothing.



Lightly tapping aint gonna cut it---you have to knock the snot out of it! :D

Jeff

[rich grsc]

Yep, like Jeff says, and the video shows, smack that sucker, and use the BFH.