Hi All,

1988 240 DL

I've replaced my driver's side ball joint twice, the 2nd time after the ball joint separated from the plate at the bottom of the strut because the nut became loose -- fortunately that happened at 3 mph. Now I hear a rattle when I drive, and while a partner jacks up the car I can see and hear the ball joint 'pop' back into the plate.

Question is: how does one secure the ball joint to get that nut to stay on tight enough (before the parts are put back on the car)? The 'bolt' and the 'ball' are one unit, and when the plate is on there seems to be no surface area to secure the unit. Thanks in advance, . . . Dan in Louisville