Castle nuts front suspension

[Norm01]

Been working on my front suspension and the control arm to ball joint bolts are finished. Seems difficult to find the castle nuts and bolts however one can easily find 12mm bolts and nylock nuts. Same problem with the tie rod end, seems easier to find a nylock 10x1mm nut. Any thoughts on switching, seems modern cars use nylock.

[trailerparkboys]

Hello Norm01,If you are talking about the 72 on ball joint to strut attachment, I really would avoid using nylocks on the ball joint wedge pins, they use a special (high strength) steel locknut, our host has them ( as well as everything you need to return the suspension to factory state) or you can readily obtain them from the dealer! This is a safety item, don't mess with what the engineers have put forth, especially if you are a noob. The consequences of screwing this up to save a buck....If you are referring to the earlier ball joint attachment, they used a bolt to pinch the strut attachment to the ball joint "bolt", until it wore out and moved around. I am sure that is why they changed over to the wedge pin style. If you have the earlier style, do yourself a favour and put those strut housings on a shelf and find some 72 on housings, you will also need the later wedge pin style ball joints, but the ball joint - strut connection won't wear out and cause all kinds of issues with handling and funny noises...anytime working on street driven suspension or brakes, be very careful, even on a street car being driven like a granny, the forces transferred thru these parts can be tremendous, just go with stock/factory parts and attachment methods, lest you end up on the news...pay attention to the markings on the parts you took off, probably says something like "10.9", highest strength bolts used on these cars...if I am in error, someone please enlighten me!
https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/0779/POR_0779_SUSSHK_pg7.htm#item22
Cheers, Barrie

[Evans, Marv]

Good advice from Barrie. However you are asking about the castle nuts & bolts at the ball joints & what he is saying about not using the nylock nuts holds true. Think of it this way: It is possible for the nyhlock nuts to come off. The cotter pin in the castle nut makes it almost impossible for it to unscrew.

[Norm01]

I don’t know why but I never think of going to the dealer. Ordered them from Porsche. Four bolts, six nuts = $87

[Dpmulvan]

I would try remeco or another fastener place before paying $87 for $2.00 worth of hardware.