Oh man, I really did it now...I've been trying to get the bolt out of my upper control arm..tonight
03-08-2005, 06:31 PM
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Oh man, I really did it now...I've been trying to get the bolt out of my upper control arm..tonight
I was wrapping things up and putting everything back on the car...I was UNSUCCESSFUL because the bolt is still seized. While I was tightening the nut on the bolt, the bolt snapped...F&#k...I hooked up the compressor and got out my pneumatic hammer and with the aid of PB Blaster I worked on the bolt for 2 hours...NOTHING...the bolt only moved the thickness of a finger nail!!! What do I do now???
03-08-2005, 06:48 PM
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Call a cab, unfortunately
Jesus, dude, you're living my nightmare right now. Not helpful, I know, but I'm feeling your pain.
My first thought, is to call a local indy shop and ask them what they would do. I guarantee you, they've been through this one before.
My first thought, is to call a local indy shop and ask them what they would do. I guarantee you, they've been through this one before.
03-08-2005, 10:32 PM
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Is there weight on the wheel? On my 96 the bolt in the wheel part of the arm>>
gets sort of "locked" in there if the suspension is hanging. when I put the wheel on my ramp I could get it out. Kinda hard to explain- but try it if you haven't.
03-09-2005, 03:07 AM
#5
BTDT on both of my 99's. The drill is the only way.
Start by making a punch mark in the center of the broken bolt. Drill a 1/8 inch hole in about an inch or so. Drill straight, or get ready to replace the whole knuckle assembly. Follow with a larger bit, and then a again with a larger bit until the bolt is gone (or at least reduced to a very thin-walled tube. Stip a punch into the hole and try to drive the bolt out. If you can't, get the drill again and repeat the process. Fun!
03-09-2005, 04:33 AM
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Are you replacing the control arms? If you are, here's a trick
Use a sawzall to cut the ball joint bolts above the frozen bolt. If removing that tension doesn't do the trick, you can at least heat the area with a torch now without melting rubber and burning grease.
That said, an air hammer should work too. Resist the urge to beat up on the wheel bearing housing or bend the little ears that grip the bolt you're trying to remove.
Good luck!
That said, an air hammer should work too. Resist the urge to beat up on the wheel bearing housing or bend the little ears that grip the bolt you're trying to remove.
Good luck!
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03-09-2005, 05:04 AM
#9
Which blades were you using? 24tpi? The ***** are hardened, are the studs not hardened?
Either way, I've never had to cut mine off.. I've had great luck just wiggling them out with the impact gun.
03-09-2005, 05:28 AM
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I'm not sure what blade was in there. I'll look next time I'm down at the shop...
I've generally had pretty good luck getting the bolts out too and have only had to take "drastic measures" that one time.
Cheers,
Cheers,