Lower Control Arm finally fixed!!!!

[Jim2029]

When I bought the car someone else had already done the passenger side and the new drivers side was in the trunk. Well it was in the mid 40's today so I fired up the salamander heater in the garage and went at it. Expecting to have to cut the bolts I got the bolts from work (I work in the parts dept at a gm dealership).

Well the bolts didn't need cutting. They came out. At 291,000 miles. Michigan Car.

[xintersecty]

Nicely done and I understand why you expected a galvanized fused metal rust hell. Sometimes even with salt those free ions stay put.! Congratulations!

[Jim2029]

This is what I used. Its great stuff.

[Daox]

Well the bolts didn't need cutting. They came out. At 291,000 miles. Michigan Car.

That good sir is a modern miracle.

I have an 04 Civic in the garage right now. The control arm bushing (steel tube inside the rubber) has fused to the bolt. I'll likely be cutting it out.

[avguy]

Well the bolts didn't need cutting. They came out. At 291,000 miles. Michigan Car.

That good sir is a modern miracle.

Yes, I agree that Jim had some devine intervention going on there. I've done 4 Aveo control arms, and each of the rear bolts was fused to the bushing sleeve so solidly, that no penetrating oil in the universe could have touched them. No possible way. It was as if they had been arc welded.

And I also found 4 additional control arm rear bolts in the exact same fused condition on boneyard Aveos. Fortunately the front bolts on those all came out with no problem, so I was able to use them to replace the rear bolts that I had to cut out on my 2 vehicles.

I'd say Jim, that you have used up all of your good luck for the foreseeable future, so heads up on whatever you get into next!

[Jim2029]

I just worked it back and forth while soaking it down. Maybe all the vibration from the Michigan pot hole infested roads helped break any bond that had set in? This thing has been rattling very badly for the last 11,000 miles. I had a map gas torch ready but didn't use it.

[avguy]

Frankly, after getting the hang of cutting these rear bolts out, that would be the way I'd go with no hesitation. I'd give one yank on a pipe over a breaker bar. If that doesn't start the bolt turning out easily, then grab the reciprocating saw along with 6" and 4" blades (Diablo or equivalent), and cut it out in 10 minutes or less. One cut on each side of the bushing, and then turn out the remaining bolt top section.

[Hunt_mr]

what size is the control arm horizontal bolt? 12x1.25?

[avguy]

what size is the control arm horizontal bolt? 12x1.25?

Don't use anything but OEM bolts.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-GM-OEM-Aveo-Front-Suspension-Lower-Control-Arm-Front-Bolt-94501160/183968932861?epid=655099511&hash=item2ad56723fd:g: LDUAAOSw0hlZOH8l