Control arm bolt rusted

2007 TOYOTA YARIS

61,000 MILES • 4 CYL

MTX51

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have a 2007 Toyota Yaris. The Front Lower Control Arm Bolt has rusted out. The entire head has fallen off. It looks like the Control Arm will have to be removed to get the bolt out. Either carefully with a pliers or possibly have to drill it out. Several questions. Should this happen after only 3 years? Is this an expensive fix? Any suggestions? It is weird because it appears that water get caught by the bolt and there is no way for the water to drain. It just sits on the bolt and appears to be a design flaw.

Dec 11, 2010 at 9:18 PM

MHPAUTOS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
31,937 POSTS

This bolt should last the life time of the car, you will have to undo the lower ball joint and the sway bar link pin,this will remove any load from the lower arm, the bolt should drive out with a punch if the head is gone.

mark (mhpautos)

Dec 20, 2010 at 7:15 AM

MMPRINCE4000

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
8,548 POSTS

Also check with Toyota to see if there is a TSB on this problem.

Jan 7, 2011 at 5:44 PM

MTX51

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the help guys. I went to toyota and they gave me the run around. So I said "screw it." I traded in the junker on a Kia with a great warranty. As a thirty year old I have a lot of cars to buy in my day still to go. Guess what... Toyota will be zero of them. The obviously wont stand behind their shoddy product in what was an obvious design flaw. I wonder what they would do to someone who case isn't so obvious. Any any MTX out. And thanks again for the help.

Jan 8, 2011 at 2:50 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.