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Removing lower control arm

Tiny
LRDAYE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
I am trying to remove the lower control arm (drivers) side and I am running into clearance problems with on one of the control bolts hitting the bottom end of the engine. I have pulled the front engine mount bolt and tried jacking the engine up but I am still need a 1/2 clearance to get the bolt out.

Suggestions?
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 AT 9:20 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Have you removed stablizer


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_608.jpg


Remove control arm from crossmember


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_3_151.jpg


Then unbolt rear


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_4_36.jpg


is bolt 5 the one causing trouble? droping cross member will allow bolt to miss engine
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
LRDAYE
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  • 3 POSTS
Yes, bolt 5 is the problem. It is hitting the bottom of the transmission
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
LRDAYE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Here is a picture of the bolt.....drop the cross member...this has turned into a big job !


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/570571_0908101134a_2.jpg

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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Remove jack stand from crossmember remove bolt #2 in PIC 2 this will let crossmember to drop clearing trans.
Also may need to jack up trans use block of wood on jack saddle
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 AT 3:08 PM
Tiny
ABISAI ESPINOZA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello I am new here, can anybody help me on this as well? I am running in to clearance problems as well, please any advice, thank you in advance.
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Wednesday, October 24th, 2018 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yes, you are to loosen the cradle bolts and support it using a jack because the engine is connected to it (heavy). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, October 26th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
TANDRA223
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 111 MILES
I have a 02 chrsyler sebring I just replace the lower ball joint wit the control ARM so now there a noise under the car sounds like something dragging. I pull the peace that I thought was the problem but that wasn't it please help me
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Friday, October 26th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Check control arm bushings and check stabalizer links.
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Friday, October 26th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FERLINM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 2.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
In the process of changing the driver's side lower control arm I ended up braking a bolt (to the body mount I think). I have looked everywhere and cannot find a way to the top of the bolt.
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

Can you post a picture of the broken bolt so I can see what you see?

Are you sure it is not a cradle bolt?

Roy
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FERLINM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I am at work right now, but I will send a picture in a couple hours. We broke the bolt loose but it just spins in the hole and when I try to tighten it down it tightens about half a turn and breaks loose again so I can only assume it is broken since I cannot see the top. Also, lately I have been hearing a small popping sound. Could just be a loose nut, but I do not think so
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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It sounds like the nut is spinning at the other end.

Yes, please send me a picture.

Roy
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FERLINM
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  • 5 POSTS
From what I have seen I am going to have to cut a hole in the floor board and possibly the sub-frame.
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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The nut is tac welded on top. The weld broke.

Yes, you need to open the floor to access the nut to remove the bolt. Make sure you cover the hole back up when you are done.

Also, replace the nut and bolt.

Roy
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FERLINM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Is there a space in the subframe after I open the floor or do I need to cut a hole in the subframe too?
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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When you open the floor, the nut will be right there. No further cutting needed.

Roy
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FERLINM
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Thanks.
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 5:26 PM (Merged)

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