Frozen Ball joint nuts

[reluctantartist]

Help! After finally getting the fuel system to work correctly, replacing all the fuel lines etc. I am trying to get the front end done and the nuts on the lower ball-joints are nut coming off. I have been putting PB blaster on the nuts for 2 days I stopped just short of stripping the bottom end that has allows you to hold it still while turning the nut. Since these things are unobtainium I need to have a good way to loosen these without causing damage. I do have access to a torch and freezing spray if that can be useful.

Thanks
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

[raygreenwood]

Please...do not do either the freezing spray or heat. The main bearing and alignment feature inside of the ball joints.....just like tie rod ends....is a nylon cup. It has a cup with a flat spot on top for the spring to push against. I cant remember if it has a lower cup or if the ball rides on polished metal. I have one sectioned I can look at when I get home.

Either way extreme heat or cold below -60f can damage nylon. Extreme heat for nylon...is like 250F.

So...you can get new nuts. I would use either a nut splitter carefully....or use a dremel on one side only....just ro get some tension off of the nut. Then pb blaster....and whack the nut sharply on the side with a chisel while soqking.

jn future...always use anti-sieze. Ray

[reluctantartist]

I am getting a nut splitter this weekend. if that does not work, then i will use a dremel. thanks for the advice.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.