Is it okay to use a washer as a shim between the castle nut and the spindle on a 72 upper ball joint?


I previously posted about NAPA joint saying 65 torque, but the Olds Manual calling for 40. I was getting a "clunk" when I backed up to the left and applied the brakes. I torqued the new joint to 50 and it was better, but the clunk was not gone. Yesterday I got under the car as it rested on all 4 tires. I removed the cotter pins on both front uppers and re-torqued to 65 (both new NAPA parts spec'ed for 65). My thinking is that maybe these joints are designed for 65 torque and that supersedes the factory part & torque. The right seems fine, but the left nut is now almost too far on the ball joint stud. The cotter still catches the nut slots, but it is close. Would it be alright to add a washer to get the cotter further down in the slot?


I bought all the disk parts from a guy a few years ago, taken from a disk equipped Cutlass to replace my power drums. I do not know the history of these parts. They looked fine and went together without an issue. Is it possible that the spindle holes for the ball joints are worn, or is there a difference in the aftermarket joint that a washer would correct? The nuts did torque okay to 65 lb fr..

 

It's doubtful the spindle holes are worn. Sounds like you have incompatible parts, like the wrong lower ball joints for the disc spindle. I would not put a washer on it, and try to figure it out. Wait for a 2nd opinion.........

 

All 1964-72 A-body spindles (drum and disk) use the same ball joint taper. The 1973-up spindles use different tapers that are not compatible with the early ball joints. I assume your disk brake spindles are the correct 64-72 style. If they are 73-up, this is not safe and should not be driven.

 

Joe, is there any way to determine if they are 64-72 or 73 and up spindles?

 

The 64-72 spindles use bolt-on steering arms and bolt-on, stamped steel caliper brackets. The 73-up spindles are one-piece forgings with integral steering arms and integral caliper brackets.

 

Mine are 64-72. I have bolt-on steering arms and stamped steel caliper brackets.


The ball joints are the NAPA premium line (260-1064), not the cheap ones.

 

I would measure the stud length and compare to the right side. The upper hole in your spindle could be worn out of spec, check everything, and please don't use a washer.