I looked and can't find it, but what size are the bolts that squeeze the ball joints in? When I changed my lower control arms those things were a real pain to tighten and I have had to re-tighten them a couple times. I am about to replace the CV axles on both sides (I get some clicking turning both ways, not too bad for 247k miles), so I figure I may as well replace those at the same time.

 

Do you mean the pinch bolts?

 

Yep, the pinch bolts.

 

Have you tightened them exactly by the directions? I've never heard of them getting loose.

Some that have put LS/LT LCAs on a SS have found the stud to be too small for the knuckle pinch. I don't know about 2006 parts.

 

After taking them loos since both were changed at well after 200k they were hard to remove the nuts, and hard to replace the nuts on them, almost like there was some thread damage, but I did not notice any. I have had to tighten both at about 20k of driving though. The new LCAs fit perfect, and I had to use a jack to lift the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle, but it was all a perfect fit. Putting the bolts back in both felt very, very tight when threading the nut on, almost feeling like they were slightly cross threaded, but they weren't. Since I am taking them back out to change both CV axles I want to put new ones in just to be safe.

 

My replacement ball joints came with a replacement pinch bolt, I haven't been able to find a part number yet! I'm working on it.

 

Bolt number #11 part number 11589341
nut part number 11517996 is also required

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/BOLT...41-P18828.aspx

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Nut-...96-P10526.aspx


Found 'em!

 

Be sure to re install exactly like the book says. Sounds kind of like somebody used an impact wrench at some point and over tightened them.

 

Thanks! And I bet it was when they changed one of the solenoids in the transmission and had to remove it.

 

And ordered!