So I was going to replace the tie rods (inner+outer) and the control arms, but unfortunately the ball joint nut got stripped almost immediately. I first used a healthy dose of WD-40 and let it stay for a while. Then I added a second helping, before starting with a breaker bar.

At first it felt like yeah, this comes off nicely... but then after a moment I notice that the nut isn't moving anywhere - yet it spins. So I checked with a ratchet wrench and made sure it wasn't the ball joint bolt spinning with the nut. And it wasn't. The nut is the only thing moving and it spins freely. I can even spin it with fingers.

I also tried all manner of leverage, like a pry bar, flathead screwdriver between the nut and the knuckle, and a bottle jack. But the nut just spins

At least I was able to replace the control arm fairly easily, though getting it to slide in was quite a chore. But once it was in, it was fairly straightforward.

I also had a look at the stabilizer bar bushings.... but boy, those things are tightly inside the frame and subframe! I can't see how I can even get a wrench there, let alone turn it

WD 40..water Dispersant

You want a Penetrating spray


Ok.. with the nut no longer 'locking' the part.. can you not unscrew the other part?

so the nuts spinning ..do you have space to get an angle grinder in?.. In the past I have used a cutting disc, above the nut, to cut them off.
Saves faff..

varesecrazy said:

WD 40..water Dispersant

You want a Penetrating spray


Ok.. with the nut no longer 'locking' the part.. can you not unscrew the other part?

Click to expand...

The nut is "stuck" between two threads. The bottom still has about 5 threads to clear, but it won't bite into them. The nut is stuck inbetween with no threads. The top (ball joint) cannot move out of the knuckle, unless the nut comes off.

Unfortunately I don't have access to an angle grinder, and it is cheaper to have a garage remove it than buy a new grinder :q

So I decided to bring it to the garage, as it is my daily driver

Edit:
Added an illustration

torniojaws said:

The nut is "stuck" between two threads. The bottom still has about 5 threads to clear, but it won't bite into them. The nut is stuck inbetween with no threads. The top (ball joint) cannot move out of the knuckle, unless the nut comes off.

Unfortunately I don't have access to an angle grinder, and it is cheaper to have a garage remove it than buy a new grinder :q

So I decided to bring it to the garage, as it is my daily driver

Edit:
Added an illustration

Click to expand...

Angle grinders in the UK are around £20..imho a good investment. Pleased that you got it sorted however.Any ideas how they did it?..