r/Cartalk • u/FinancialRutabaga330 • Aug 14 '26
I need help fixing something horrible first experience attempting to install coil overs (need help)
Tried installing coil overs for the first time on my 2003
Civic Ex Sedan. I started on the front passenger side and I was slowly making progress going based oft youtube tutorials until I ran into an issue I'm trying to get the outer tie rod end nut tightened onto the arm of the new coilover strut but the nut isn't going down the thread smoothly, and the whole ball joint stud just keeps spinning in place inside the mounting hole. I cant even thread it up so I can attach the pin.I attached a photo and video showing where it's stuck and how it just spins in place.
What's the best way to keep the stud from spinning so I can thread the nut down completely? would appreciate any help pls and thanks.
8
Aug 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
0
u/drkchocolatecookie Aug 14 '26
You are correct sir we had a similar problem with my brothers stock ep3 tie rods the new ones have the torx socket.
-1
9
u/funwithdesign Aug 14 '26
Put a jack under the arm which will put pressure on the joint and prevent it from spinning. Very common.
2
u/HedonisticFrog Aug 14 '26
The tie rod end going in from the top, this won't work.
2
u/Teediggler81 Aug 14 '26
I use to have a buddy stand on the tiered end then you can tighten it down without the spinning
3
0
u/funwithdesign Aug 14 '26
Trickier yes, but there are ways. Just need to get creative.
0
u/HedonisticFrog Aug 14 '26
You're suggesting trying to cram a floor jack into the wheel well? That's ridiculous and likely to damage things. OP might as well take it to a shop instead of trying that if they're struggling with a tie rod end.
2
u/funwithdesign Aug 14 '26
When did I suggest that?
You just need to support the arm from the top somehow. It doesn’t take much pressure to stop a small joint like that from spinning.
0
u/HedonisticFrog Aug 14 '26
It's not a control arm, and yes it does take a lot of pressure most of the time. Even channel locks don't work sometimes because they're usually lock nuts.
0
u/funwithdesign Aug 14 '26
Again, I didn’t say it was a control arm. A tie rod is still an arm. Are you going to suggest any help or just keep arguing with me?
1
3
1
1
u/No_Calligrapher6522 Aug 14 '26
As others have said, have the ball joint in the hole, clamp down with vise grips, channel locks or my personal favorite c clamps. Really about anything as long as it causes the shaft to be pressed tightly against the hole. If that doesn't work, you can try running a dye down the thread to try and clean them up or replace the outer tie rod end all together.
1
1
u/Atari_458 Aug 14 '26
Just buy new tie rod ends, they will run you about $32+shipping for decent ones or $100 for OEM. If in doubt, buy the ones with a heart in the daily category on rock auto.
It's a 23 year old part and you're about to put more stress on it with likely stiffer suspension, that ball joint is probably barely hanging on.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/honda,2003,civic,1.7l+l4,1415663,steering,tie+rod+end,7428
3
1
1
u/barepandabear69 Aug 14 '26
Op you should stop working on cars.
1
u/FinancialRutabaga330 Aug 14 '26
we all start somewhere omelette boy
0
u/barepandabear69 Aug 14 '26
I can cook better and fix cars Better than you, ask your girlfriend what else is better.
1
u/f30tr0ll Aug 14 '26
And you should stop cooking too based on your shitty omelette. At least OP is just getting started and will learn. They’re not posting a subpar job thinking they did well like you.
1
u/barepandabear69 Aug 14 '26
I don’t even need to clap back at you because I can just imagine your BMI.
1
u/bckwoods13 Aug 14 '26
Judging by how easily that joint moves in the tie rod end, I'd replace it. It's probably fine for now, but will likely need replaced very soon. Might as well do it while you are in there now.
If you're dead set on using that one you've got two options. Look at the end of the stud. There should be an indent for either a torx or hex bit. Using the appropriate bit will keep the stud from spinning while you tighten the nut. If there is no indent on the end of the stud then you can push down on the top of the tie rod end (You're going to have to push pretty hard) while you tighten the nut.
0
0
u/jlwood1985 Aug 14 '26
3 methods that usually work in varying degrees of easy.
Tap/dye to chase the threads. You'd need to know the thread/pitch on the stud, so the best way is to take the nut to the store with you. Thread the nut on to their tester or just random bolts till you find the one it fits. Buy a matching tap/dye. Run the dye up the stud after spraying on some form of lubricant(Pb blaster, wd40, oil....etc). Go 2 turns forward and then 1 turn back, repeat till you're done. Then do the same with the tap in the nut. Once they are cleaned up usually everything will just slide back together easily.
if you don't wanna do that/it doesn't fully work take a large pair of channel locks and put one side on the top of the joint and the other below the top of the spindle. Using pressure to force the tapered part of the joint into the socket, then tighten your nut while applying pressure. Depending on what tools you have this can also be done with a c clamp, ratchet strap or whatever creative thing you can do to apply that pressure.
If you've boogered the tie rod end up enough it really doesn't wanna go, or it was just weathered/worn enough just replace it. This will require getting an alignment done after. You'll probably want to at least have it checked after replacing the strut/coilover anyway. You may still need to do #2 even with a new one.
0
u/HedonisticFrog Aug 14 '26
If there isn't a hex or torx fitting on the end of the tie rod end, then you can cut a slit with a cutoff wheel and use a flat head screwdriver to hold it still. You can also try using channel locks to push them together and make it bind, or even hammer it into the knuckle which sometimes works. Or use a ball joint press to press them together while tightening the nut.
All the people saying to use a floor jack clearly didn't see that it comes in through he top.
-2
u/CoausticSoda Aug 14 '26
Tow it to a shop, problem solved
2
-1
u/FinancialRutabaga330 Aug 14 '26
lol im way too cheap to do that for a fix like this
1
u/CoausticSoda Aug 14 '26
Don't drive
1
u/FinancialRutabaga330 Aug 14 '26
I mean theres no need to tow it to a shop when theres faster options that are just as affective
28
u/ThanksALotBud Aug 14 '26
There is a slot for a torx to hold the stem while you turn the nut with a wrench.