Lower ball joint threads

enalkarion

New Member
Dec 5, 2012
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Levittown, PA
Does anyone know the thread size and pitch for the lower ball joints? The threads on both sides of the newly acquired blaster are buggered up, and the nuts will only make it halfway down the threads and its not safe to ride. I know new a-arms would be the best answer but, I was thinking i could run a die down to clean up the threads.
 
looks like m10 x 1.25

6853959d.jpg
 
If the balljoint was pounded with a hammer, it tweaks the threaded part. So re-threading it has a 50% chance of working. I found this out with mine. Had to buy a new a-arm for one side.
 
Thanks guys, I'm thinking about sticking a pick or something in the cotter pin hole to keep it from moving, and running the castle nuts on upside down to clean up the threads. I don't have the right die and after the price of ordering one and shipping I might as well buy some ebay a arms.
 
The Harbor Freight near me is hit or miss with what they have in stock, maybe I'll hit them up this weekend.


you can buy online at harborfreight.com
and i have a fairly good priced set saved in my ebay favs too.
 
It is very hard to run a die or die nut down the threads as it is almost certain they will spin.

It may pay to get a thread file.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Funny how old experienced guys all tend to think the same?
I say ditto with Blaaster on the thread file.

Hammering on the head of the ball joint has compressed the threads, especially the very first threads you are going to try to line the die up on. If you get the die started, it will be off pitch with the rest of the good threads. The thread file takes its cue from the good threads, lines up with them and cuts into the bad ones at the end. Once you have the pitch straightened out and the mushroomed end filed down, THEN you can run a die down it.

That $15 dies set is likely hardened carbon steel. Very brittle. HSS - High Speed Steel is the better choice. More money but works so much better.

Steve
 
There is a special way to hammer out ball joints by hitting them on the threaded end.

One holds the joint in the left hand, and the hammer in the right hand, vice versa if you are left handed.

Put the hand that holds the hammer behind your back and start swinging, if at anytime the hammer comes into view stop swinging as you are too close to the threads.:D:D:D