hey can anyone help me understand what happened. i was on my way to the dealership and as i was going there i was making a left turn and next thing you know i hear a loud popping noise and then a grinding sound as i slid about 5 inches. i figured the axle had snapped from the way it sounded but when the tow truck guy was putting it down off the truck i looked at it and the lower ball joint was out. here are some pictures to show you what it looks like. also as i was wondering the caster nut that goes on the ball joint where can i get it

 

by the way its a 95 integra ls

 

The nut wasnt all the way on. THis is a classic case of half assing something.

 

when you get the nut make sure it is torqued to 47 ft/lbs and get a new cotter pin.

 

the guy who did it used an impact gun to put it on i dont know if that matters

 

never use an impact on a ball joint. but even if you did you should be fine as long as there was a codder pin....prolly didnt put the pin back in. just get a whole new ball joint there like $25 and you can put it in yourself. dont let em try to tell you that you need a press because you dont.

 

the old one just looks as though it came out cant i just put it back in and if i get a new one after i knock out the old one wouldnt i have to get the new ball joint pressed in at a machine shop

 

Nope(1) and Nope(2).
(1) why put the old one back on? its probably damaged somewhat.
(2) No just place it in and torque it down.