How many installs can a Ball Joint take

[hauland]

I have had an issue with the upper passenger side ball joint not seating correctly and in the process of diagnosing and fixing it I have installed the knuckle to the axle 4 or 5 times.

Should I be concerned about how many times I have installed and torqued the knuckle. I only pressed the ball joints into the knucle once but have bolted it up multiple times to the axle.

According to the shop manual I need to replace the spindle nuts and lower ball joint nut. Does anyone have a good reason why not to do this.

Thanks, P.J.

 

[ol gray mare]

I've removed the knuckles on mine 3 or 4 times since I replaced the ball joints (for repairs, upgrades etc). I've never had any issues with them, still tight as ever. I replaced the spindle nuts with new grade 8's when I did the disc conversion and have reused them since. I am always careful not to over torque them. The bottom ball joint has a pinch nut as opposed to the castle nut and cotter pin on top, and they can lose their grip with reuse. Bet it would suck to lose one.