Rear suspension arm removal

**Brett** · 13-09-2006, 04:10 PM

I had an accident a few weeks ago and in the process of trying to fix the damage, I've come to a halt.

I just can't get those bolts out no matter how hard I try, the weight of the suspension arm is putting way too much pressure on them, and they aren't in a position that can be got at with a hammer and punch. I've tried jacking the arm itself up as well to take the weight off it, but that just seems to put it on a worse angle.

Is there a trick to it? The only thing I can think of that I might have done wrong is the order I've been pulling it apart. Maybe I should have left the shock connected before I tried to undo the bolts? The confusing thing is that it doesn't say it needs to be removed last in the TSRM...

Thanks heaps for any suggestions

**Squid** · 13-09-2006, 04:26 PM

Is there anything connected to the arm?

I would suggest it isn't the weight, rather it is the bent shape... I thnik you might be able to get at the bolts with an angle grinder and work some angles to jimmy it out.

Im guessing the arm is bent and going to be replaced, perhaps you can hit it witht he angle grinder? be careful not to hit the mounts!

**M.J.H** · 13-09-2006, 04:28 PM

A decent size screwdriver or pry bar should get the bolt in the first two pics to budge then you can either try to hammer it out using the screwdriver on the washer on the bolt head or maybe it will simply undo on the thread once you get it to move a bit.

As for the one in the third pic it looks like it won't go anyfurther till you get the first one out.

Or another option if it is avalible is simply cut the arm somewhere with an oxy and that should get the wieght off the bolts.

Anyway good luck with it.

**Brett** · 13-09-2006, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the quick replies

I was kind of hoping to avoid cutting things for the moment, but maybe it is the bend that's causing it to be so hard. It just had to be the most awkward to get to place on the car that I had to wreck

And no Squid, there is nothing attached to the arm, except for the brake.

**M.J.H** · 13-09-2006, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Brett

Thanks for the quick replies

I was kind of hoping to avoid cutting things for the moment, but maybe it is the bend that's causing it to be so hard. It just had to be the most awkward to get to place on the car that I had to wreck

And no Squid, there is nothing attached to the arm, except for the brake.

Being twisted like that at the mounts will be why so hard.

Go on just cut it and make it so much easier that it should fall apart.

**Alex** · 13-09-2006, 05:51 PM

If that arm is bent, you're gunna have to just cut it, cut the arm through the smallest easiest part of it, bite the bullet, its prob the only way you're gunna be able to do it

**Drifty Midship** · 13-09-2006, 07:28 PM

get a long enuff open end spanner that fits over the bolt but is too small for the head.
Brace other end of spanner with something.. so you dont jar your hand... or get a friend to hold it.

Then belt spanner in direction of bolt out as close to the bolt as you can get. Jiggle the LCA while you do it... you need about 5 hands! Works sometimes! lol

**Brett** · 13-09-2006, 10:35 PM

haha yeah I've already tried that Drifty Midship, nearly bent a spanner in the process

**Hypo** · 13-09-2006, 11:59 PM

Get someone with a big screw driver etc to lift up the arm and put vice grips on the bolt and just wiggle and keep wiggling.

It will eventually come out, well it should.

Have you also tried using a ratchet, might be the thread is caught.

You could also put a hack saw blade down between the mount and the arm and cut through the bolt. Although this will be time consuming.

**maurice c** · 14-09-2006, 12:27 AM

As the arm is already bent why not get a big Stilson on the bent end and try to straighten it up. This may allow you to take the bolts out, i doubt you'll make it worse.