Trailing arm to subframe bolt removal

[greddy_1700]

Hey, I am disassembling my entire rear subframe to replace all of the bushings and sand and paint it all. However, upon getting the nuts off of the trailing arm bolts they seem seized into the subframe. Since these are the bolts with a plate attached to the back of them is their any way to get them out without using a torch? I have tried with a ballpein hammer, next step is I am going to order in new ones and use a sledge to hammer these ones out.

Anyone have any good ideas?

 

[Jeff99GS]

Put the nuts back on a few threads and hit it with a air chisle. The Vibration usually cracks them loose.

Soak it down with PB Blaster or any type of penatrating oil.

Also try to get a socket with impact gun on the bolt part that is seized in. If you can get it turning then it will come out easier.

 

[Boost92awd]

Have you tried a impact gun?

 

[greddy_1700]

I have tried an impact, however I am very limited as I only have a small compressor so it doesn't put out much torque. I will just try more pb blaster and an air chissel.

 

[Boost92awd]

Soak the thing in PB blaster and let it sit over night, then go by urself a breaker bar. By far one of the best tools I'v ever bought. Or you could just go buy a bar that will fit over the end of your wrench. Leaverage is everything when it comes to getting stuck bolts out.

 

[greddy_1700]

Oh trust me, I use that breaker bar so much haha. I have tried that already and it just wouldnt budge. I will let it sit overnight, then try it again, if the breaker doesnt work then out comes the air chissel.

 

[greddy_1700]

Well, sadly nothing worked. What had happened is the bolt is seized completely right around the steel insert inside of the bushing. I have tried just about everything so now I am down to the last resort. I am taking the subframe into a metal shop this morning and having them cut them out.

 

[DSM Jeff]

Yea, I've had to cut one out. Those eccentric bolts are very hard, used a few sawzall blades on just one (and I used the better, expensive blades) You may want to hit up JNZ Tuning tomorrow as they are having a sale on Mitsu parts. You could pick up all new bolts for a bit cheaper then normal.

 

[greddy_1700]

Looks like I will need more than just bolts. The machine shop absoltely destroyed my cross memeber and upper control arms. I am going back tomorrow morning with a quote for new mitsu parts.....

 

[DSM Jeff]

Shitty man. You could contact a mitsu dealer or JNZ, maybe they can put together a price quote. If they ruined the upper arms you could always go with a set of Ingals adjustable arms. I have been able to cut bolts out of the subframe with out any damage other then scratching some paint.
Good luck

 

[greddy_1700]

Well, here is my dilemma. The shop torched out part of the mounting plate on the crossmember. Well they offered to fix it by welding it up, grinding it, and making it EXACTLY as it was before. But is this possible.

As far as I know, the filler metal of the weld will either be harder or softer. If it is softer it will obviously run the risk of the bolt moving and rounding it out in turn destroying the subframe. Or if it is harder then when I hit a bump, or launch there will be am impact load transfered through the suspension, through the conrtol arm, through the urethane bushing, to the bolt. As a result the weld can crack.

Do you guys think I am worrying about this to much?

 

[DSM Jeff]

I think you may be worrying much but with out seeing a picture no one could say for sure. If they are offering to work on it and to fix it that is better then some shops I know. I doubt you would get money for a new subframe. Most likely, something for a used one. My main concern would be any damage done to the eccentric ring that is on the subframe. You also have to think the subframe is welded already which is how its made. If you can get some pictures I'm sure you could get some more idea's. I'd have them repair it or look for a used subframe in better condition.

 

[turbodsm18]

I wish I would have seen this earlier, I just got done completely disassembling and replacing about 95% of the pieces in the entire rear suspension. I have pictures and everything, If you need part numbers or any help let me know, I have all the part numbers written down....

-Kevin-