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As I mentioned earlier, "suspect everything..."
Generally speaking, when replacing a ball joint or tie rod end it is absolutely crucial to make sure you tighten the tie rod locknut or the locknut holding the ball joint into the strut anchor to proper torque. I would imagine this is a cause (and it was in my case) of a lot of minor-sounding, but annoying clunking, and although in most cases shouldn't result in immediate catastrophic failure (as you described) it can cause very premature wear to these joints-- and lead to serious problems. One does not want to let these things go for too long. Get on the diagnosis.
WHERE IN THE HECK ARE PEOPLE GETTING NEW STRUT ANCHOR BOLTS FROM!?!?!
I more or less had a very reputable Volvo specialist in Austin confess to me that they re-use these bolts when replacing ball joints. My Volvo dealer says they are no longer available and two part #'s two BB'ers gave me are "old" according to Tasca, FCP and one other supplier.
I spent two weeks trying to find metric bolts with the rated sheer strength to replace these. Then (gulp!) I reused my old ones (for shame, for shame).
I could see THESE coming loose or failing, but I hope otherwise!
People must be replacing ball joints all the time. I imagine most are reusing these bolts.
Final point, please be very clear when describing diagnosis and procedure. Clarity can save us all a lot of headache, time and money on our favorite cars.
--
89 245 'loaded' with a Great Pyrenees
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