I just purchased an upper control arm / ball joint assembly from O'Rielley Auto Parts. It is the "MotorPro" brand to keep the nut from coming off. I am just a bit concerned because the ball joint does not use a castle nut and cotter pin. It uses a flat washer and some sort of serrated nut. Has anyone else used these and how safe are they.

 

does the nut have a nylon ring in it?

 

No, it's not any kind of lock nut that i'm familiar with.The nut looks something like this.

 

Can't really see the picture but if it looks like this
Google Image Result for http://image.made-in-china.com/43f34j00IsStTzJCYEcp/Serrated-Flange-Lock-Nut.jpg

Its a locking nut.

 

That's what it looks like. I just hope it holds because it came with a flat washer.

 

Does it fit without the washer? I'd probably use it without the washer if it does.

 

Thanks for your reply. I'm going to ditch the flat washer so the nut tightens directly against the hub.
Thanks

 

Drill a small hole in the stud and insert your own cotter pin.

 

Been thinking about doing just that.

 

you could get a matching locknut to run up under the first nut and lock it in place...