I'm replacing my lower ball joints and am using the Mevotech ball joints. All posts on this forum and Google search results indicate that the new bolts to fasten the ball joint to the control arm require 17 ft-lbs of torque. My first pass at installation resulted in 3 stripped bolts. Upon further investigation these are M6 Grade 10.8 bolts supplied with this ball joint, and the maximum allowable torque for this grade fastener is ~12ft lbs. Am I missing something here? The lower ball joint comes with larger fasteners that I don't think will have any problems achieving the specified torque, but I can't be the first person to experience this. Any input or information is appreciated.

 

I usually go hand tightened until lined up with the pin hole... unless its the lock nut, then its nice and snug... don't think I've ever torqued them... just the cv axle nut and engine block bolts lol

But since eyour not using acdelco or gm, I would go with what you have searched up.

 

I'm talking about the 4 mounting bolts that replace the rivets and clamp the new joint to the control arm. The holes in the control arm wont take a larger bolt, and grade 10.8 is pretty high grade material, so I'm confused where the 17ft-lbs comes from.

 

I see what you mean, ive had problems with replacement bolts before.

When I found that mine would snap or loosen, I started using thread locker on them with lock nuts. I would go and buy them separately.

I know it doesnt really help, but its an idea to start with. good luck.

 

I just replaced upper and lower ball joints (Moog) and I torqued them to the 17 ft-lbs without any problems. Used the Moog hardware that came with the ball joints,
Factory service manual torque is 17 ft-lbs for RWD & 4WD.

 

The plot thickens. I reached out to Mevotech and told them the issue. They initially replied by saying "yes, torque all bolts to 17ft--lbs". I replied stating my concern about the max torque on a grade 10.9 fastener and they replied "you're correct, let us contact our engineering department and get back to you". So now I'm waiting.

Perhaps other manufacturers like Moog have better grade fasteners, I'm not sure. Even a grade 12.9 M6 fastener (highest available) is only rated to ~14 ft-lbs. The Mevotech isn't a cheap-o option, I ordered their "supreme" ball joints from Rock Auto. Measuring the holes in the upper control arm, it MAY take a 7mm fastener, but the holes in the new ball joint certainly wont. Caliper measures dead-on 6mm.

My Blazer is looking at me from the garage as if to say "you got us into this mess". I will report back when Mevotech responds.

 

Still no response from Mevotech, but I elected to proceed on my own. I purchased grade 12.9 nuts and bolts, torqued them to 15 ft-lbs and added red thread locker. If that don't hold, nothing will. Blazer drives a lot smoother now with new ball joints.