4 replies to this topic

[MatthewsDad]

I posted a radius arm query a couple of weeks ago.  I received helpful advice in response, and having looked at things in more detail, concluded that the radius arm bearings were worn.  So, time to remove the radius arm.

 

I've spent the last week soaking the radius arm bolts in penetrating fluid, but when I came to remove them today, I managed to shear a vertical and horizontal bolt in the bracket next to the sill.  The second vertical bolt came out no problem, but the final one (the awkward horizontal one that's tucked into the corner) won't budge and to be honest I've lost my bottle with that one in case that shears too.

 

I'm gutted to say the least, and just to stress that I was ever so careful in tightening and untightening them bit by bit.  I'm really surprised at how little force caused them to fail.  (How come they used such tiddlers for a major suspension component?)

 

Anyway, I am where I am and so I have checked the other forum threads on the subject and to be honest I'm a bit confused about options.

 

I don't have a welding kit or know how to use one, and don't believe I can safely drill the bolts out without it turning into an episode of Father Ted.

 

I could admit defeat and invite my friendly local mechanic to visit my shed, but before I do this, I'd be grateful if anyone could confirm that my options are only welding the bracket, or removing the subframe to get to the rear of the horizontal bolt.

 

At this stage I'm happy to hand over to someone who can prevent this getting any worse, but would like to try and tackle the problem if I can.as I don't like to admit defeat!

 

Many thanks

[Blatherskite]

Do you have access to a blowtorch? Even a kitchen one? Its amazing what a blast of hot on the nut can achieve. Alternatively, I believe you can get freezing spray from Halfords that should have the right effect if you can get it on the bolt.

[Batmini]

In my mind you have the following options:

1 Remove the subframe as you say & try and spin the bolts out.
2 Drill out the bolts
3 Get your mechanic guy to drill it out.

Option 1 - Chances are if the bolts holding the radius arm sheared, so will the subframe mounting bolts.
Option 2 - Worth a try, grind the bolt flush then using a decent centre punch mark the centre of the bolt then drill it out with a small drill bit. Often the heat in drilling will help free the bolt.
Option 3 - As you say ask him to drill it out for you, but he may charge a couple of hours labour

[eean]

Have a look at stud remover tools at your local or online machine mart store, I've just done one of my radius arms and knew that these bolts would come out OK as the subframe is pretty new, other than that I'd definitely have heated the bolts, its a must otherwise they snap. If you don't feel confident to use a removal tool which involves drilling into the stud, it may be best to ask your mechanic mate to look at it, you may make it harder for him to get them out if you drill them off centre, your not admitting defeat by getting the expertise in, its a ballache of a job getting snapped studs out but at least they are not blind holes with no access from the other side, good luck and phone your mate

[MatthewsDad]

Thanks everyone for your advice.  This is my first screw up after several months of work going well on the car without too many problems, so I don't feel too bad in calling in the help of a mechanic on this one.  The captive bolts are too small to drill out with any confidence of avoiding the threads, and as the failures are flush with the bracket, there's no scope for attaching a removal tool. 

Looks like a subframe removal.  On a positive it'll be an opportunity to clean it up and put in some stainless fixings