I just replaced my shocks yesterday. In the front I had trouble getting out the upper balljoint cotter pins on both sides, they were rusted on. I ended up cutting enough off so that I could take the nut off. I took a look afterwards and it seems like the rest of the pin was stuck in there pretty good. It was getting late and I need a new balljoint on one side so I just put it back together without a cotter pin on both sides. I plan on replacing the one balljoint next week and trying to get a cotter pin in on the other side but I was just wondering if it's ok to drive around for a week without a cotter pin on both sides? I tightened both up really good but I know the cotter pin is there for a reason, is it risky driving around like this? Thanks.

 

You should have been able to knock out what was left of the pin with a punch or even a blunt nail. If you have to drive without the pin, I would keep a close eye on it. Personally, I would rather have the pin in there. Really bad things would happen if the nut came off and the joint popped loose. A few pennies for a pin vs. a lot of $$ worth of possible damage to your car and maybe others.

 

Ya, it has been worrying me. I have been keeping an eye on it and so far it's ok. I think instead of waiting untill next week I'm going to try and do it tomorrow or sunday. Thanks for the advice.

 

you may even wanna go so far as to mark a line on it with like a grease pencil or something you can see easily to make sure its not moving at all. Cause once it starts it gets worse and worse faster and faster.