Rear Lower Control Arm Bolt

[Drifters]

Doing the rear wheel bearing and using Mark P's write up. I am stuck trying to get the rear lower control arm bolt off. The bolt just spins with the nut. I've searched and found nothing about how to not make the bolt spin with the nut. Is there a trick that you need to know to get this bolt off? TIA.

[quickglx]

Use a wrench to hold the bolt, one to remove the nut.... Am I missing something here?

[Drifters]

There is no where for a wrench to hold the bolt. It is the rear lower control arm, not the front rear lower control arm.

[S_four]

I was in the exact same position. Couldn't figure it out either. Got fed up and brought it to a shop. Sorry for the useless post. :-)

[quickglx]

Ohhhhhh..... you mean the rear tie rod nut then... there are two control arms in the rear, upper and lower. Then the "tie rod" that goes inbetween the parking brake cable and the brake line, is this what you mean? Air tools are your friend here. A simple blast with an impact makes it come off easily most of the time, then an air hammer to shock it free from the bearing housing. Since its loose, you may be able to use a hammer to push the joint into the knuckle to get a turn -or- use some large channel lock pliers or the like to keep pressure on the joint so it doesn't turn in the knuckle. try that

[Drifters]

I'll give it a try. TIA..

[Daft]

I just want to make sure we're discussing the right part here.

Is this regarding the front suspension's lower rearward control arm?

OR

Is it regarding the rear suspension's lower control arm attachment point?


If this is about the front lower rear control arm, you will need an allen key to counterhold the balljoint stud and then use a box wrench or openend to turn the nut. Otherwise, the balljoint will spin in it's socket as you try to loosen the nut.

[Drifters]

This is the rear suspension's lower control arm attachment point. On the back side of the bolt, there is nowhere to clamp anything. Do you have any other ideas or trick to use to try to get this nut off?

[Daft]

I've done that job before and I don't remember there being no head on the bolt.

Here's the steps right from the Bentley Manual:




So essentially, unbolt the strut from the control arm, unbolt the arm from the wheel bearing housing and then unbolt the arm from the subframe (X2).

Which of these 3 spots is the place you're having issues with?

[BurnAll4S4]

i <3 daft, hes so helpful.

[Drifters]

It's not pictured in those pictures. It is the bolt that holds the upright to the lower control arm. You can see the connection in the first picture where it runs between the brake lines. And in that picture, there is no head bolt as well.

[Daft]

If you're referring to the bolt labeled #2 in the disassembly steps, that is the bolt labeled #6 in the exploded view.

[Drifters]

Yes, I think that is the bolt. There is no head on the bolt. So when turn the nut, the whole bolt turns with it. Is there a trick to hold the bolt in place so I can turn the nut off?

[quickglx]

He's gotta be talking about the tie rod.... look straight above #2, where the arrow points. Try what I said above and if that doesn't work, well you suck lol. You may need a buddy to squeeze the crap out of the joint with your huge channel locks, or maybe even a C clamp might work? If you had air tools, it wouldn't be a prob. If you can tighten it, you might try tightening the crap out of it, spray with some silicone, then loosen......

[Drifters]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I finally gave up and took out the lower control arm from the back. Was able to get the nut tighten back on. Thanks again.