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Old 03-25-2013, 01:34 PM   #1
Imprezaspeed07
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Default Cannot get front endlink bolts off!!

So I am trying to replace my front endlinks and swaybars but the bolts are so rusted I cannot get them off and the hex key part is also not useful because it is so rusted.

I tried to use channel locks and that didn't work so I cut them with an angle grinder only to find out there is a washer between the endlink and the control arm. Does anyone have any ideas?

Also I knicked the control arm with the angle grider. This shouldn't cause any structural problems will it?

Fast responses are appreciated!
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Old 03-25-2013, 02:05 PM   #2
Turn in Concepts
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finish cutting them or cut the nut off.

pic needed of control arm.
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Old 03-25-2013, 03:39 PM   #3
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Ok I'll take a pic of it when I get at it again tonight. Also How can I cut the nut because there is no clearance between the nut and the control arm thus making and even higher probability of damaging the control arm.

Also with a reciprocating saw work better than an angle grinder?

Thanks for the responses in advance
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Old 03-25-2013, 04:11 PM   #4
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Try a dremel with a tungsten carbide cutter bit like http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-9903-Tungsten-Carbide-Cutter/dp/B00004UDJL


Much easier to get into tighter areas with, It's gotten me out of more than one pinch with seized/stripped nuts.
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Old 03-25-2013, 06:14 PM   #5
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Spray it with PB blaster for several days, then heat the nut with a blowtorch till it is literally red hot, then use an impact wrench.
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Old 03-26-2013, 01:34 AM   #6
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I ended up grinding off the washer... Took some of the control arm with it. Will these catastrophically fail on me? Will post pics tomorrow
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Old 03-26-2013, 10:53 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imprezaspeed07 View Post
I ended up grinding off the washer... Took some of the control arm with it. Will these catastrophically fail on me? Will post pics tomorrow
we wont know until we have pics
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Old 03-26-2013, 12:27 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imprezaspeed07 View Post
I ended up grinding off the washer... Took some of the control arm with it. Will these catastrophically fail on me? Will post pics tomorrow

Probably so but without the pics we won't know for sure.
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Old 03-26-2013, 12:38 PM   #9
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Old 03-26-2013, 01:21 PM   #10
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Needs some TLC and POR15...
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Old 03-26-2013, 03:06 PM   #11
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I've had to cut off my fair share of end link bolts . . . those hex openings are useless. Much prefer using a dremel over an angle grinder, though. Some heavy duty cutting discs make short work of stubborn nuts, with a lot smaller chance of collateral damage.
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Old 03-26-2013, 04:01 PM   #12
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I had this issue with the 17mm bolt holding the strut to the control arm this weekend. I tried everything, including bathing it in pb blaster and roasting it with a blow torch. By the time I did that the nut was so stripped there was no other option but to cut it off. I too caught a little bit of the control arm with the cutting wheel, but it just looks like a deep scratch.
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Old 03-26-2013, 10:00 PM   #13
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So I think I may have messed up. I got a good bit of the control arm on one side.... It looks like I may be getting an upgrade haha. Let me know what you think I'm going to have it looked at on thursday.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-4z...it?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-4z...it?usp=sharing
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Old 03-26-2013, 11:29 PM   #14
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Also does anyone know what my options are for new control arms.... I think I may just replace these. I would rather be safe than sorry or end up having a failed control arm that leads to an accident. Is there a possibility of that happening?

Also how how is it to install a control arm or should I just get it done by a shop?
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Old 03-26-2013, 11:31 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imprezaspeed07 View Post
So I think I may have messed up. I got a good bit of the control arm on one side.... It looks like I may be getting an upgrade haha. Let me know what you think I'm going to have it looked at on thursday.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-4z...it?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-4z...it?usp=sharing
d000000000000000d...yew need to put the tools down and step away from the car
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Old 03-27-2013, 12:00 AM   #16
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yeah I realized that... live and learn I guess haha
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Old 03-27-2013, 03:08 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imprezaspeed07 View Post
yeah I realized that... live and learn I guess haha
One of the lessons I learned when trying to remove a bushing sleeve recently was that you don't necessarily cut all the way through the metal to remove it. If you cut the metal most of the way thru, it can be thin enough that you can then shear the remainder without damaging the piece to remain. This would probably work better for the endlink bolts if you altered your angle. You don't have to cut perpendicular to the axis of the bolt. Think cutting a tree with an axe vs. a saw.

Also, I just removed the FCA and replaced the bushings on our '02 bugeye, and didn't think it was incredibly difficult to reinstall them. Removing a couple of the mounting bolts required a 2' breaker + 2' extension and the bushings were a challenge til I learned the lesson above. That being said, Cali cars don't have nearly as much rust as the rest of you all (even after 12 yrs), and I'm having it towed to the shop for a full alignment and torque check on all the bolts as soon as the last parts go on.

Last edited by dagger108; 03-27-2013 at 03:18 AM.
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Old 03-27-2013, 03:23 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imprezaspeed07 View Post
yeah I realized that... live and learn I guess haha
man....if you were local to me...id wrench yer car for ya...show ya what's up with it

id even get ya decent links for cheap
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Old 03-27-2013, 07:39 AM   #19
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Do I need an alignment done after doing front sway bars?
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Old 03-27-2013, 10:40 AM   #20
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Nope.
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Old 03-27-2013, 11:56 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty View Post

man....if you were local to me...id wrench yer car for ya...show ya what's up with it

id even get ya decent links for cheap
You should install my 27mm front sway on my bugeye
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Old 03-27-2013, 04:55 PM   #22
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Quote:
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You should install my 27mm front sway on my bugeye
that would be a real stupid thing to do

27mm is WAY too big....that's your first problem
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Old 03-27-2013, 05:09 PM   #23
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Along with full coil setup... doubt it. Recommended by Dan and the Andrewtech guys. I've been for a ride along in Dan's car...seems he knows what he is talking about
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Old 03-28-2013, 08:49 PM   #24
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So what does everyone think about the control arms? do the sway bars create that much force? That I should think about replacing these?
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Old 03-28-2013, 11:39 PM   #25
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Quote:
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Along with full coil setup... doubt it. Recommended by Dan and the Andrewtech guys. I've been for a ride along in Dan's car...seems he knows what he is talking about
driving a race car on the street is NEVER a good idea

using race car parts on a street car is NEVER a good idea

suspension by swaybar is NEVER a good idea

anybody recommends a 27mm front bar on a gd chassis for the street is an idiot....WAY too much bar
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