Suspension help please!

**NakedDave8** · 05-07-2008 04:31 PM

So, I've been working on my suspension since noontime. I got the rear done and just started the front but ran into a problem. The bolt that pinches the control arms WILL NOT come loose. I got the nut off one side, banged the threaded end with a hammer to try to get the bolt free(bad mistake) and fucked up the end of the threads so now I cant even get the nut back on if I want. Any quick advice, please?!

**NakedDave8** · 05-07-2008 04:49 PM

bump really need help

**DND** · 05-07-2008 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by NakedDave8

banged the threaded end with a hammer to try to get the bolt free(bad mistake) and fucked up the end of the threads so now I cant even get the nut back on if I want.

Do you have a tap and die set? If so, you could fix the threads at least.

**NakedDave8** · 05-07-2008 07:07 PM

Good call, I could do that. I pretty much gave up on it though. I'm bringing it to a performance shop asap to have them do it. I did the rear but I don't have the patience or tools to do the front

**djwimbo** · 05-07-2008 10:30 PM

My pinch bolt is broken on the upper right of my vehicle. So I know how you feel. Here's how I deal with it, ignore it. If you don't have that option, heat, hammer, air hammer, beer, and two upper control arms, are probably what you need.
I don't see getting that bolt out with the assistance of heat, which in turn will probably FUBAR the boot on the upper's and thus the control arm.

**my 1.8t** · 05-07-2008 11:41 PM

do you have a pic of the pinch bolt i did my springs and can help you out just need a pic are you doing springs or coilovers

**zrowcool** · 05-08-2008 06:19 AM

yeah i sprayed it with pb blaster and then banged it out with a 2lb. popped out like an inch and i used a screwdriver to bang it out the rest of the way

**hoganalley** · 05-08-2008 07:35 AM

I know you screwed up your threads, but if you can get the nut back on...at least a couple of threads......then what you do is cut the bolt through the slot in the spindle assembly and use a wrench to snap the bolt. Place some washers underneath the nut and keep turning until it comes out. The head end of the bolt should just fall out but it can be twisted out as well.

Make sense?

**NakedDave8** · 05-08-2008 09:32 AM

Thanks for the advice everyone. I just dont have the patience to do it all nor do I have the time right now. I think I'm just gonna bring it to the shop and have a buddy of mine do it for me.

Pics to follow tomorrow

**onemoremile** · 05-08-2008 10:34 AM

Next time put the nut back on so it covers the end threads and then bang on the nut. once the pinch bolt is too deep for that I switch to a draft or large-ish nail set and smack that with the hammer until it comes out. A 1/4" socket extension also works. Be sure to replace the bolt so it can be hammered out again later. If you put it back in backwards you'll lose the option and it gets a lot more difficult.

**NakedDave8** · 05-09-2008 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by onemoremile

Next time put the nut back on so it covers the end threads and then bang on the nut. once the pinch bolt is too deep for that I switch to a draft or large-ish nail set and smack that with the hammer until it comes out. A 1/4" socket extension also works. Be sure to replace the bolt so it can be hammered out again later. If you put it back in backwards you'll lose the option and it gets a lot more difficult.

I tried to bang it out with the nut on the other side, just got frustrated. I'll take that advice for next time though. I really appreciate the help you guys. The B5 A4 Forums rule!