What size is the ball joint pinch bolt on a 89 LX?

[jglutz]

^^Sure to the picts....maybe I'm wrong...I don't undertand how if the clamp pressure was correct, the pin groove would have worn the bolt threads...I'm not in denial...just having a hard time visualizing your description....I could be very wrong....but then these forums are not as much about who's right or wrong but who can learn the most.

[Damkid]

^^Sure to the picts....maybe I'm wrong...I don't undertand how if the clamp pressure was correct, the pin groove would have worn the bolt threads...I'm not in denial...just having a hard time visualizing your description....I could be very wrong....but then these forums are not as much about who's right or wrong but who can learn the most.

the clamp pressure has nothing to do with what i mean i had them very tight since i know how important they are, and please don't take me the wrong way, i'm not trying to be rude at all just helpful and informative

i had a very hard time getting the camera to focus and this is the best shot i got, right above my thumb you can see where the threads wore down from the ball joint pin (which are not tapered by the way)

[jglutz]

Pict quality is good enough
What's odd...the groove/ worn section of the bolt is appears to be all the way around the bolt...I cann't figure how that happenned without saying the bolt spun.

I'm stumped :scratch:

[Damkid]

i'm sure the bolt was spinning around causing the wear to be all the way around, but if you could see close enough (it doesn't show in the pic) you can tell there used to be threads where the groove is

[jglutz]

^^If I remember correctly....the body of the factory bolt is splined under the head..probalbly to prevent the problem you experienced.

I don't want to say I'm impressed...but I'm sure grateful for you sharing the knowledge, Thanks.

[festivaWES]

u guys like how i just got a deal on them parts dont u

for 42 dollars a side you got ripped. I get them for more than 5 dollars less than what you can get them for...junior

[Damkid]

^^If I remember correctly....the body of the factory bolt is splined under the head..probalbly to prevent the problem you experienced.

I don't want to say I'm impressed...but I'm sure grateful for you sharing the knowledge, Thanks.

you're exactly right about the stock bolts, the stock bolts also don't have threads starting until further away from the head

[FestivaFun]

DamKid: "i must have missed that because the ball joint pins do not look tapered to me and i've had mine separated more times than i can remember."
Can you tell me, since you've replaced your own ball joints how it's done? After reading through on this repair via my Haynes I am gun-shy in thinking after loosening up the top nut and using the "pickle fork" to separate it won't I need some other special tool to reinstall the new ball joints? Or is it just put them in and tighten everything up. I'm thinking there must be a special tool to allow me to reinstall these? Want to do my own repairs and save most of that $400.00 bill the mechanic quoted me.

[gothguydante]

hey i just replace one of my lca and i think i might have the bolt you need i kept my old bolt in cause well it looked in new condition but let me check my tool box tomorrow and i will tell you if i got it... it will only cost you 2 dollars.... if i can find it...