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Torsion bar Bolt warped?

Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 MERCEDES BENZ ML500
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I tried to unbolt it but it wouldn't get loose and seemed to be warped due to not threaded in correctly in the first place.
Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 2:11 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

A bolt won't warp. Could you mean it may be cross threaded? Take a look at the picture I attached below and let me know which bolt you are referring to.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the info.

16C is the bolt that can’t be loosened; I used an air wrench, but the bolt just kept spinning as if it’s still tightened, at a rate of around 3 revolutions per second continuously and not retreating at all.
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Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 8:33 PM
Tiny
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Here’s the picture of it.
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Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

There should be a welded nut it screws into. Are you able to see it? If so, watch it if it is turning when you try to remove the bolt.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, March 8th, 2024 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
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That may explain why. I’ll take a look tomorrow during the day.
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Friday, March 8th, 2024 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I have a feeling that may have come apart. Let me know if you are able to locate it and what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, March 9th, 2024 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
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The area is very tight. I was unable to feel with my finger if the nut was loose from the frame. But based on my experience, the nut was most likely loose, and the bolt was never loosened no matter how hard I tried.
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Saturday, March 9th, 2024 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If you are turning the bolt, the nut is likely turning with it. Are you able to get a mirror or anything up in there to confirm? Is it possible for you to get any type of tool in there to hold the nut?

Joe
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the advice, Joe. It’s impossible to stick any tool through a 1/2” clearance gap against the bed. I give up.
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

They make nothing easy. There is a chance the fuel tank needs to be moved to gain access. I'm not sure why this has become a problem. The underside of the vehicle looks like it is in great condition.

Regardless, let me know if there is anything I can do to help or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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Actually, I wasn’t sure if my judgement was correct suspecting the torsion bar bracket failure. The symptom was whenever I go from stop, a jolt can be felt from underneath, due to the sudden push forward from stop.

Yes, the chassis is very clean and free of any rust. I bought it from the first owner who’s had it parked in the garage all its life.
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I attached a couple of pictures of the rear suspension and highlighted things to check. Based on what is happening, I don't think it is related to the torsion bars. Check to see if there is any play or wear on the rear control arms and ball joints.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, March 11th, 2024 AT 6:09 PM

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