Need some help/advice removing LCA bolt
 

hey, I have been fighting with my lower control arm bolt(that goes thought the Shock) to remove it and install my new suspension.
I've tried so far:

-Using a standard breaker bar and ratchet set
-using my dads air gun

it will move a bit but I'm scared that if I force it too much, I'll snap the bolt.

I've heard that If I put brake fluid on both ends of the bolt and leave it for a while, that it will sink into the threads and allow me to un-screw the bolt.
Is that true??? any other suggestions???

I believe this bolt is seized in there so I need to get it out asap before Saturday.


thanks
bartek

soak in WD-40 over night and then try ....

WD40 and keep hitting it with the impact... the impact places the most direct torque on the bolt, rather than dealing with deflection like with the breaker bar. Keep at it with the impact... and it won't break the bolt! If need be, go to a shop with an even bigger impact gun and ask them to hit it for you. Most places will do it for a minimal charge. Big truck alignment shops have some really high torque impact guns.

Re: Need some help/advice removing LCA bolt
 

There is a good possiblity that it is seized :nods:

I had this happen to my rear passenger side LCA. I've noticed that if you plan ahead for these type of projects, they go a lot smoother. I would recommend:
1. Lube that boltup really good!
2. Goto Honda ad order yourself a replacement (I think there like 3 bucks) - chances are they wont have one in stock...it would just be your luck :fustrated
3. Goto a wreckers and purchase a replacement LCA (for the side your looking for)
4. Then go after that seized bolt! :box:
If you snap it...you dont have to worry so much, casue you've got replacements
:thumbup:

And if you end up getting it, there is always going to be someone looking for a LCA!

I couldent get mine off by hand, so I took it to a shop...it was sized in the bushing... So they hit it with the impact/air gun and it snaped the head right off the bold, so be carefull, an impact gun will break the bolt if you keep going at it....

And liquid wrench will work better than wd40 if you have to go out and buy some, like if you have the choice i mean....

If the bolt does snap, then you can torch the welded nut off the shock, and replace it all with a new bolt, with a new nut (not necesary to be welded back on)... with the nut off you can punch the bolt out.... you are going to need a new bushing also...

yep bruno a impact will break the nut bolt depending on how much ft/lbs of torque it has.

It has happend to my susp when I took it to a shop and they put there gun on it. So you cant say it wont break it.

If its seized good luck taking it off, all methods listed wont likely help and you will most likely need a new bushing and bolt.

But if you can and your just swapping springs, just try and take off the LCA from the bolt that attaches to the drum assembly and to the fram then drop the whole thing.

Right, but it's much easier to break using the bar, cuz the bar deflects torque elsewhere, whereas the impact concentrates the torque in the correct direction.

I'm assuming the bolt is seized to the metal sleeve in the bushing, right? In this case, it MAY help if you give it a couple of solid whacks with the hammer right on the head.... this ought to break the rust or at least send a shockwave through it to help loosen it. Then WD40, and hammer agian 1/2 later... then impact it.

check this out

http://www.princessauto.com/moreinfo...=1492&SCAN=CAN

On sale this week at Princess Auto

My next shop investment will be a compressor forsure... but they run 599.00, and up... Thats a good price on the gun tho...not sure of the brand, if its good or not...I guess if you keep it oiled all the time it should last...

CH has some 13 gallon 5hp models for like $350, I picked up mine for $329 on sale or a bit less.

Its a great model, nice tank size and enough SCFM to run most air tools except high use ones like air grinders and inline sanders etc.

But more than enough for impact guns etc.

How much does a bushing cost????

$15 or so and $7 for the bolt or less