Stuck control arm bolt....any advice?
#17
I rented a sawzall and was able to cut the actual bolt which was very easy. But then when I tried to do the next cut I had to cut through the metal sleeve on the other end. The metal sleeve is much harder than the bolt and I couldnt even cut a groove into it. So now I'm stuck again and in worse shape than what I started. Now I don't know what to do. Replacing the timing belt & water pump was easier than this.
#18
After getting extremely pissed off I decided not to give up yet... I used the sawzall to do the same cut on the other rear lower arm. So now just the head of the bolt is left to tackle on both arms. There's not enough room and I would be cutting into the outside curled edges of the sub-frame. I'm probably going to end up using a dremel and a **** load of cutting discs until the head is grinded away. Should be hours of fun.
#19
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My control arm bolts are stuck as well!
I opted for the easy way out to replace everything but I can’t find the bolts for the rear control arms 2007 Lexus IS 250. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
#21
Stuck Control Arm Bolts
Same issue except it looks like the only solution is to cut All the control arms with a grinder since they all have a stuck bolt on one side or the other. Then order a new "knuckle" (dealer or LexusPartsNow are only options) assuming that the thing isn't hopelessly rusted in place as well. My new name for my Lexus RX330 is "Frankenstein". I have never seen a car so predictably impossible to get to critical things. Every single issue comes with a new set of "gotcha"'s. No wonder Lexus service is so expensive (well, plus their parts prices are insane-that bolt you need? $24. Oh you need a nut too? Another $24.) But hey, it has given me a great excuse to buy a bunch of tools. Unfortunately, the grinder saw seems to be be mostly my go-to tool for this beast..
However, the Lexus forum has been wonderful because 1) it proves I'm not the only idiot who tries to work on one of these things 2) I'm not the only one who suffers and 3) every time I come up with an idea that seems too drastic, I learn from the Forum that nope, that is exactly what I need to do! Thanks guys for the help.
However, the Lexus forum has been wonderful because 1) it proves I'm not the only idiot who tries to work on one of these things 2) I'm not the only one who suffers and 3) every time I come up with an idea that seems too drastic, I learn from the Forum that nope, that is exactly what I need to do! Thanks guys for the help.
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