nomenclature and torque specs

[Grady Clay]

The ‘slotted nut’ M45x1.5 attaching the ball joint to the A-arm is specified torque 250 Nm per Spec Book WKD.423.020 ’84-’87 911 and others.
This torque spec has remained the same from the 1969 models to this point.

1 Nm = 0.737562 Ft-Lbs
150Nm = 110.6 Ft-Lbs

Some confusion may come from nomenclature. What we call the “tie-rod end”, Porsche also calls a “ball joint”. The castle nut M10x1.0 on the pin of the tie-rod end torque spec is 45 Nm. Same with the ‘Turbo tie-rod’ M14x1.5 locknut at the inner joint at the ends of the steering rack is 45 Nm. Porsche also calls this inner joint a “ball joint”.

While my antique IV/87 Spec Book specifies 150 Nm / 111 Ft-Lbs, I recall there being a later change upward in the torque specification.
The 184 Ft-Lbs is not unreasonable for this ‘slotted nut’.
This disserves farther research.

Clearly, 45 Nm is way too low for this fastener.


The challenge is keeping the P-280b tool engaged squarely in the slotted nut.
The Factory P-280b is a fine tool but lacks a ‘centering ring’ around the periphery of the tool.
This ‘ring’ keeps the tool centered on the slotted nut.
Many aftermarket P-280b-like tools have this ring and a ring can be retrofitted to the Factory tool.

I use a floor jack to hold the torque wrench with tool into the slotted nut, compressing the suspension almost to the point of lifting the car off the jack stand.
You need to make provision for the torque wrench to move freely for an accurate torque.

Best,
Grady


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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Replacing the Ball Joints - 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89)

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Thanks for clarifying some of the nomenclature used in the instructions for our readers

- Nick