Quick 1G Lower Control Arm Replacement Question

[fostytou]

Will be replacing one or both of my lower control arms this weekend (inspection revealed that driver's side control arm is bent at the ball joint).

Was wondering if the bolts are one-time use or if they can be re-used? I don't have the Haynes in front of me right now, but recall reading something about 1 time use bolts...

 

[1992awdlaser]

All of them can be re-used.

 

[fostytou]

All of them can be re-used.

Thanks! Sweet, what I like to hear. My primer for doing this job was removing two (hopefully good) control arms from the parts car, but that was easy since the car has no engine, axles, or transmission. I also pulled the stabilizer bar junk in case that looks whack.

Any other advice for when I do this on the "real" car tomorrow?

 

[1992awdlaser]

Should be the same as the other car. Nothing un-expected.

 

[fostytou]

Should be the same as the other car. Nothing un-expected.

once again, thanks.

if you're around tomorrow... check here around 2pm CST. I'll either be begging for help or jumping for joy.

 

[fostytou]

well everything started out OK... got all 7 nut/bolts loosened just fine and began taking the control arm out.

things went south when I couldn't get the ball joint out of the steering knuckle (or whatever that piece is called). I tried hammers, prybars, gobs of PB blaster, and every curse word I could come up with to no avail. Unfortunately none of my prybars had a big enough "nail hole" to fit around the lower unthreaded part of the ball joint.

I suspect the ball joint bolt is bent somewhat (control arm is bent at ball joint from pothole) and that is what is preventing it from dropping down when the nut is loose. I thought about hack sawing through the ball joint, but decided that was a bad idea if I couldn't get the severed piece out.

So I put everything back together.

Car is going to AMS on Tuesday... I'll let them handle this

 

[1992awdlaser]

With most ball joints you have to hit the knuckle really hard to get it loose. With some you will have to have somebody pull down on the control arm with a pry bar while youu are hitting it.

 

[dmc67]

or get a pickel fork "ball-joint knocker" and a BIG hammer and make the job easy I changed both of mine in around 3 hrs.

 

[Supa Dexta]

I picked up a new one yesterday for 2.xx$..! At that price they are disposable..

You must be logged in to view this image or video.