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stuck suspension bolt

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Old 03-29-2004, 03:17 PM
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Default stuck suspension bolt

I am changing my front struts on my 94 SE. I am having trouble removing the bottom of the two lower bolts that connect the strut to the wheel plate assembly(not too sure what its called but basically what your rotor is attached to). I removed the top ones with some struggle and now i can't get the bottom ones out. The nuts are off, it is just bolts that is stuck in there. I have already tried banging them out but they won't budge. It would be great if you guys could give me a hand, thanx!
Old 03-29-2004, 03:20 PM
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Having the wheels/hubs hanging free would probably be a big help. Are you like that, or are you jacked/supported on the A-arms?
Old 03-29-2004, 03:51 PM
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they are hanging. on one of them i got the whole strut assembly to rock back and forth but the bolt won't come out. I have tried everything i can think of....i think....
Old 03-29-2004, 03:55 PM
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Ok, try jacking under that A-arm. I'm betting the bolt is binding against the side of the hole in the bottom of the strut, and you need to relieve the tension on it. I can't think of a reason it might be reverse threaded, but you certainly don't want to shear it off. I take it you've tried some penetrating oil and given it time to soak in? Still a problem on both sides, or just one?
Old 03-29-2004, 03:58 PM
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let it soak with wd40 and yes both bottom bolts on each side. I'll try jacking the a arm when i get back from class.(god i hate 4:40pm classes)
Old 03-29-2004, 04:01 PM
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I did my rear ones a few weeks back and had the same trouble. In the end I used a Propane torch (didn't have anything hotter) and heated the knuckle around where the bolt goes through. Since it was -10*C outside at the time, I heated until I couldn't hold the torch steady anymore, or about 5 to 6 minutes.

Next I sprayed some good penetrating oil in every crevice I could, then I put the nut back on leaving some space from being tightened down all the way. Now take an impact socket and hold on the nut with one hand and then hit it repeatedly with a ball pean hammer - it could take some convincing. If it doesn't work the first time...repeat the proceedure. Once you get some movement of the bolt, you might try turning the bolt back and forth with a good power bar, again using penetrating oil liberally.

Don't give up, you'll get it

Cheers,
Old 03-29-2004, 04:02 PM
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I don't have my service manuals handy. I'm at work. Don't do anything drastic until someone looks this up.
Old 03-29-2004, 04:04 PM
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Okay, well i got to go to class i'll be back to check post at 6:30'ish EST. Thanks again for all your help!
Old 03-29-2004, 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by willwren
I don't have my service manuals handy. I'm at work. Don't do anything drastic until someone looks this up.
The last time _I_ looked it up in the factory manual, I found nothing on freeing up stuck bolts for this procedure, and they got the torque settings wrong in the diagram caption, so hopefully the later editions are a bit better than the '93...
Old 03-29-2004, 07:42 PM
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well i tried raising the a arm...didn't seem that different but i need to get a 1/2" extension then i'll let you know how it goes. but other ideas are welcome...if there are any left :?


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