Ball joint install driving me mad

[HelluvaEngineer]

I was hoping to get a quick win after work today by installing my steering knuckle with the new ball joints. No dice. The lower ball joint is just spinning in it's assembly. I can't torque it. I tried using a jack and a cylinder from my press kit to push up on the knuckle without damaging the ball joint, but that's not working completely either. Is there a secret trick to make this work? Thanks.

 

[Mullaney]

I was hoping to get a quick win after work today by installing my steering knuckle with the new ball joints. No dice. The lower ball joint is just spinning in it's assembly. I can't torque it. I tried using a jack and a cylinder from my press kit to push up on the knuckle without damaging the ball joint, but that's not working completely either. Is there a secret trick to make this work? Thanks.

.
Ummm... The ball joint should be tapered - Right?
Maybe just a tap on the end away from the "nut" end with a two or three pound hammer?

It should want to tighten because of the taper.
Unless maybe you have the wrong size joint?

 

[HelluvaEngineer]

.
Ummm... The ball joint should be tapered - Right?
Maybe just a tap on the end away from the "nut" end with a two or three pound hammer?

It should want to tighten because of the taper.
Unless maybe you have the wrong size joint?

I think it's the right size but the taper it's mating with is now nice and greasy. I really don't want to push directly on the ball joint with a jack but that may be where this is headed. That would put a lot of pressure on the c-clip.

 

[gringeltaube]

... the taper it's mating with is now nice and greasy

That's your problem, right there!
Solution: Brake cleaner & chalk ..... Degrease and dry all surfaces thoroughly, then rub the cone all around with your piece of chalk. Insert the joint, screw the nut on a few threads and eventually use a small prybar (in between nut and knuckle) to force the joint up into its seat before torquing the nut all the way down.

 

[HelluvaEngineer]

Thanks for the screen cap. It's interesting how that order of operations is completely different than what I saw everywhere else.