Bolt Stuck - Replacement bushings?

[Addict]

I managed to get the lower driver's side bolt out ok, but the passenger's side bolt is not budging. I got the nut off the end of it with no issues. The bolt appears to be bound to the bushing.
So here's my Q's.
1. ANy thoughts on removing it? I have tried an impact wrench and it doesn't even budge. I've soaked it in wd40. I've beaten it to death with a mallet. No luck.

2. What about a replacement bushing? Can just the bushing be replaced or do I need the entire arm? I assume I'm going to have to mangle the bushing to get the bolt out. It looks rather 'beat' anyhow.

3. Is there a better replacement than factory for the bushings? I might as well spend the extra $$ and get something better if they exist.

 

[Addict]

Another view

 

[jtmcinder]

Yeah, lower front shock bushings can be a total PITA. Mine were a nightmare. And it goes downhill from there, I'm afraid.

Replacement bushings do exist (e.g., they are included in an Energy Suspension set), but you don't want to use them. Because of the twin, offset balljoints on the lower front end of a 2G, the shock shaft is twisted when the wheel moves up and down. This stresses the shock's shaft. And the stiffer the bushings at either end, the worse this gets. This is why RRE strongly suggests that you not replace the bushing in question.

If the bushing is toast, then you might as well do anything to get it out, because you're either buying a new arm or replacing the bushing, regardless of the above. You could use a cutoff wheel and/or switch to PB'laster and/or heat.

I ended up using two breaker bars and a lot of words that my daughter was not allowed to hear. Plus two cans of PB'laster and half a canister of propane.

I feel your pain.

- Jtoby

 

[Addict]

Hrm. So can I pickup PB Blaster at an auto parts store or Home Depot?

I'm willing to try about anything. I'm pretty sure this bushing is toast. Maybe tomorrow I'll break out the torch and try to get it out that way.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[jtmcinder]

Originally posted by Addict
Hrm. So can I pickup PB Blaster at an auto parts store or Home Depot?

Yep. It's my favorite this-POS-is-going-to-come-off-or-I'm-torching-the-car-for-the-insurance penetrating oil.

- Jtoby

 

[Addict]

Originally posted by jtmcinder
Replacement bushings do exist (e.g., they are included in an Energy Suspension set), but you don't want to use them. Because of the twin, offset balljoints on the lower front end of a 2G, the shock shaft is twisted when the wheel moves up and down. This stresses the shock's shaft. And the stiffer the bushings at either end, the worse this gets. This is why RRE strongly suggests that you not replace the bushing in question.

I was checking RRE's site and they don't mention that I shouldn't replace the bushings. Though they make good mention that they are a PITA to install. They also say how hard the Prothanes are in comparison.

I'll shoot them an email and see what they say. Kinda sucks that they won't ship anything other than UPS Ground if you're a first time customer. I'd like to get the Eclipse mobile before this weekend. Good thing I have a Honda to get me around.

 

[Addict]

Well I figured I'd post a status update in case anyone comes across this post that needs the info.

Energy Suspension doesn't make a bushing for the lower control arm(outer). Prothane does but its a rock hard and will kill your suspension eventually. So the only option is to get an OEM replacement.

I finally got the strut assembly free. I didn't get the bolt out however. I took a jack with a 2 foot 2x4 and slowly raised it against the collar on the strut to compress the spring. This take 2 people to do and alot of patience. But in the end I got it compressed enough to move the fork out from under the strut and get it out.

A full can of WD-40, a half can of PB Blaster & 500ft/lb didn't move the bolt at all.

 

[jtmcinder]

Wow! I'm impressed. When one of my fork-to-lateral-arm bolts was seized, I tried to do what you did. I even got one spring compressor up in there, during the attempt, but I couldn't do it and had to keep whaling on the bolt until it broke.

Well done.

A classic DSM experience, no?

- Jtoby

 

[$lacker]

I had this problem too... impact gun, sledge hammer, nothing would get that bolt to budge...
What I ended up doing was unbolting the upper ball joint (used a gear puller to separate it without causing any damage). Got the strut off within 15 minutes of the realization I could do that. Wish I had thought of that 2 hours earlier

On a side note... it hurts like a mother when a spring compressor lets go

 

[Nanan]

Yep I had problems with those bolts also, on both sides I ended up snapping the bolts. I found some grade 10 aircraft spec bolts at the local air strip shop for $13 each.

Mitsu does not sell the lower arm bushings individually, they charge 130 something for each arm. I said screw it and used the energy suspension bushings(they come in the shock set), I guess time will tell as to how it treats the shocks.

 

[Rx3]

Well I figured I'd post a status update in case anyone comes across this post that needs the info.

Energy Suspension doesn't make a bushing for the lower control arm(outer). Prothane does but its a rock hard and will kill your suspension eventually. So the only option is to get an OEM replacement.

I finally got the strut assembly free. I didn't get the bolt out however. I took a jack with a 2 foot 2x4 and slowly raised it against the collar on the strut to compress the spring. This take 2 people to do and alot of patience. But in the end I got it compressed enough to move the fork out from under the strut and get it out.

A full can of WD-40, a half can of PB Blaster & 500ft/lb didn't move the bolt at all.

Wow. That was even worse than my experience with the same thing. I don't feel so bad now.