Lower Control Arm Removal

[jdc4357]

Hi,
I have never removed my lower control arms before, and cannot get the two bolts to come out. I broke the nuts loose but the bolts don't want to turn, and taking a brass hammer to the end of the bolt (nut on to protect the threads of course) trying to hammer it out is getting me nowhere. Am I forgetting something. Didn't think this was rocket science. Letting her soak in wd40 overnight and will try again.
thanks,
jamieC

 

[gaboonviper85]

This is a very very very common problem with these cars! The bolt and the bushing have corroded and bonded together! Usually you need to cut them out with a sawsall or torch...you can try some PB blaster but usually it doesn't work.

Sorry bro but consider yourself dealing with a problem that 98% of us deal with.

 

[jdc4357]

Thanks for the wisdom. I was afraid I would get a response like this.

This is a very very very common problem with these cars! The bolt and the bushing have corroded and bonded together! Usually you need to cut them out with a sawsall or torch...you can try some PB blaster but usually it doesn't work.

Sorry bro but consider yourself dealing with a problem that 98% of us deal with.

 

[radiod]

Did the subframe on mine and had that same problem

 

[3p141592654]

Comadreha's guide covers just about everything you need to know.
http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84302


and I added a few comments...

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93250

 

[woodytsi]

order new cams from the dealer,and cut the old ones out.i did mine with a sawzall
woodytsi

 

[Grandavi]

The local Toyota dealer is gonna do mine for 445.00 (includes parts). I was gonna save the coin.. but I guessed I was better off just letting someone who knows the front end better do it (the possibility of a mistake by me... Joe-homewrench.. is higher). Dont want my wheels flying off at 120 mph. I admire you for doing it yourself.. hehe.

 

[shaeff]

I went through the same thing:

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19265&highlight=seized

Have fun!

 

[tlo86]

interesting never had this problem. replaced all of mine with parts i bought here heh never had trouble

 

[jdc4357]

$450 including parts... wow what a deal.. ive spent probably 10 hours so far on this project and gotten one bolt done. I would rather change out my headgasket again before I would do this again.

So far I've had to cut with a edge grinder and a sawzall which probably took 2 hours after I figured it out from all these guys. I'm done for a few days to recover as 10 hours on cold concrete doesnt do a body good.

Thanks everyone for your help so far. I'm sure I'll ask another question before I'm done with this.

interesting never had this problem. replaced all of mine with parts i bought here heh never had trouble

 

[Grandavi]

yeah.. that includes the wheel alignment at the end too... after reading the issues and peeking at what it would involve (looking at the actualy parts rather than just reading), I have figured out that I can make far more money working rather than sitting under the car hoping I get it right.. lol.

More power to you guys who have the right shop/tool setup. I still haven't arrived at that since I had all my tools stolen 7 years ago.

 

[Mk3runner]

Pb blaster, breaker bar, pickle fork, and a BFH. Had mine out in 30 min. Some cars and locations vary but hit it with pb then walk away then come back and own it. Mine had 1/4 inch play when I changed mine.

 

[shaeff]

Pb blaster, breaker bar, pickle fork, and a BFH. Had mine out in 30 min. Some cars and locations vary but hit it with pb then walk away then come back and own it. Mine had 1/4 inch play when I changed mine.

Dude, I soaked mine in every penetrating oil, lubricant, etc... I could find over the course of a few weeks (IIRC), and they wouldn't budge.

I used a sawzall on one side, and a torch on the other.