BLKonBLK98

So after sitting at home for 2 weeks waiting for suspension parts because I thought the right side LCA was stripped out I finally got down to the install yesterday.

I was at autozone buying some stuff in preperation. I get into the parking lot and decide I should check the bolts I bought before I leave. The hole in question is the strut bracket bolt that threads into the arm. I am immediately disgusted because the bolt doesn't fit into the passenger side arm. Then I try it in the driver side and it threads in cleanly. Then I try the good OEM bolt I have and it's the same thing.

This is when I realize that this is a design thing and my original LCA was good the whole time. WTF!?

When I get to the shop I test my theory. I Catch the first thread and turn it until it stops, then **** on it with the impact. Goes right in and i pull the bolt back out. Exactly as expected: the bolt is kind of chewed up. It looks as if it was cross threaded but it wasn't.

So why would they do this? More importantly, why only to one side (passenger side on original and replacment set)?

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

your LS hates you. its secretly plotting its demise.

lol

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i have no idea what you just said.

which LCA bolt o.o

BLKonBLK98

thought i was pretty clear.

visual aid:



the bolt is at the inner end of part 12. 1 part number for both sides. fits clean in the driver side, self-strip in the passenger.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

ah, the bolt that holds the strut bracket to the lca, got ya.

tbh, its pretty easy to put those bolts in at a slightly wrong angle because of the tight clearances on the mount, you might have cross threaded it slightly by putting it in wrong. would have still felt tight at first but then loosened up.

i had no problems when i did my strut rod bushings so >.>

BLKonBLK98

3 people tried several times with a brand new, uninstalled control arm and the original and a replacment bolt from the driver side. the original bolt that came out of the passenger side was also chewed up.

i pulled the replacment bolt i decided to force into the old lca (since i had a new one if it came down to it) and it was worn but not cross threaded. the wear was even on the threads.

i would chalk it up to a faulty part except both passenger sides (original and oem replacement) did this and both driver's sides were normal.

seems like a design thing to me. it's done now but i'm just trying to make sense of it.