I am replacing the upper and lower balljoints on the steering knuckle. I can see already that I will not be able to get my torque wrench on the lower balljoint nut when I reinstall the knuckle, because there is not enough height for both the socket and the bar. I would like to know how others have done this, and would appreciate any help.

Thanks.

 

the options are using a crow foot socket with a torque wrench or mechanics feel with a combination wrench.

 

Thanks Primem, I don't think I have ever seen those crowfoot sockets before.
Anyway, I was able to get a small breaker bar onto the socket and tightened it down with the help of a pipe extension. I didn't overdo it, but its not going anywhere.

Another question... after I tightened the lower balljoint there was good rotation in the steering knuckle; it was very smooth turning both ways, but with the upper clamp bolt tightened(to spec) around the camber adjuster, the rotation is much stiffer. The knuckle moves but has much more resistance. Is this normal for new ball joints?

Please let me know what you think.

 

your fine. grease them up.

you said it yourself. the lower one moved fine so its ok. the upper is torqued to spec so its ok.

I haven't noticed it to a large degree. if you can turn the knuckle by hand with the wheel off...its really not that much torque if you think about it. Consider the force on the knuckle when the bj is loaded with the vehicle weight and the power steering is cranking it when the wheels are stopped on dry pavement.