Tie rod bolt spins when assembling

[willisan]

Just did ball joints, and when I attempted to put the castle nut back on, the bolt spins. The threads on bolt look ok. I will try getting a new nut, but can anyone think of a way to keep the bolt from spinning? Does this mean it is junk? I would like to avoid replacing tie rod end.

Thanks!

 

[Reejerey]

take a big prybar and pry down on the joint you're putting together, as hard as you can. probably have an assistant push down on the pry bar. That should create enough friction in the tapered part of the joint to allow you to put the nut on.

basically you're going to anchor the pry bar somewhere on the knuckle or spring, with it going over the top of the tie rod end. I can't really explain it better other than taking a picture, and I don't have access to anything to take a pic of right now to show you.

 

[willisan]

Turns out that the nut threads were jacked up. Got a new nut and it worked fine.