I removed the steering knuckle/ spindle to replace the ball joints, as well as some other components on the front suspension. The issue I have is with reinstalling the steering knuckle.

There are 4 arms that attach to the spindle, the upper control arm, lower control arm, compression rod, and the outer tie rod. I have everything attached (meaning I have the nuts started on the threads) except the compression rod. I cannot get the ball joint of the compression rod all the way into the steering knuckle to begin threading the nut on. It's as if the arm is positioned too far away from where it needs to go.

My question is how can I get the compression rod into the slot on the steering knuckle/ spindle? I have tried jacking the knuckle up from the bottom of the ball joint/ lower control arm to compress the suspension. However, I am afraid it may cause damage, as it is lifting the side of the car up due to the sway bar (I think), and the ball joint on the compression rod is at an awkward angle when doing this, so it is not 'seating' into the slot... Is there an order in which to install the arms on the spindle, to get the compression arm in? If anyone has accomplished this, I would really appreciate some help. Thanks.


The outlined part is the ball joint on the compression arm, which I cannot get into the steering knuckle. For reference, the shiny arm in the picture is the lower control arm, where the steering knuckle ball joint is seated.

Compression arm, for reference. It does not move up or down where it is attached to the subframe.

Tried jacking the suspension up from this point, is this safe? Or is there a better spot/ way to do this.

 

Well seems I solved the problem. If anyone has an issue with this you can bolt everything but the tie rod onto the knuckle. Leave the tie rod off until you get the compression rod attached. This allows you to turn the knuckle and get the compression arm started. Then snug everything down.

Make sure to jack up the lower control arm, right under the shock mount. Compress the suspension, and then torque everything down, with the suspension compressed.

Also, ensure every joint that attaches to the steering spindle has a washer, or the nut with the molded washer. Otherwise it will tear through the aluminum. Dont forget to install new cottor pins as well.

Hopefully this helps someone in the future. As many of the older posts didn't state this issue, or if they had run into it.