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
  • 109,645 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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 8:33 PM
Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Here’s the picture of it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 8th, 2024 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
That may explain why. I’ll take a look tomorrow during the day.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 8th, 2024 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 9th, 2024 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 9th, 2024 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks for the advice, Joe. It’s impossible to stick any tool through a 1/2” clearance gap against the bed. I give up.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
BENCHI500
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 11th, 2024 AT 6:09 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links