Regarding control arm bolts

JAX007

MEMBER
2001 DAEWOO NUBIRA
2.0L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

Hi guys, you are doing a great work. I have a small problem regarding lower control arm bolts. My car's front right wheel lower control arm bolt which is connected to chassis was broken and control arm was not coming out. How can I remove that one? And if I given it to mechanic, how much he will charge for that repair? Please help me. Thank you in advance.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

We do not get involved with costs here because there are too many variables. This type of job is typically billed by time and material because there is no way to know in advance how long it will take.

If it is the pivot bolt you are referring to, use a sawzall, (reciprocating saw), to sneak in between the control arm and the cross member. Cut it on both sides, then drop the arm out. If you are replacing the control arm, just go ahead with the repair and use a new bolt. If the control arm will be reused, use a hydraulic press to push the old bolt out of the bushing.

Consider coating the new bolt with anti-seize compound to prevent this from happening again, but do not use that on the threads. The nut will not stay tight. Be sure to have the vehicle sitting on the tires at normal ride height when you tighten that bolt. If you tighten the bolt while the vehicle is jacked up and the arm is hanging down, you will clamp the bushing in that orientation, then it will be in a permanent twist when you set it down on the tires.