Front Suspension A-Arm Removal
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
Front Suspension A-Arm Removal
OK, so I'm working on a front suspension rebuild and I'm about 3/4 of the way through teardown. I've got the right side off completely. On the left side I've got everything off except the upper A-Arm.
I found the right upper A-Arm wouldn't slide off the end of the bolts because the fan shroud was in the way. So I had to take the bolts out. Which was no fun because the fan shroud was so close.
The left looks to be much more of a pain seeing as there is something in the way (alternator?). Will the left side slide off without removing the bolts? If not should I remove the thing in the way to give myself more access?
I started taking off the nuts and my ratcheting wrench can only get like 2 clicks on the front nut per turn, so obviously it would be easier with more clearance.
Any suggestions?
I found the right upper A-Arm wouldn't slide off the end of the bolts because the fan shroud was in the way. So I had to take the bolts out. Which was no fun because the fan shroud was so close.
The left looks to be much more of a pain seeing as there is something in the way (alternator?). Will the left side slide off without removing the bolts? If not should I remove the thing in the way to give myself more access?
I started taking off the nuts and my ratcheting wrench can only get like 2 clicks on the front nut per turn, so obviously it would be easier with more clearance.
Any suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Once that fan shroud is out you have access to parts of the car you probably didn't even know were there.LOTs of good electric fan and controller options.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Trust me I have done what you're doing both ways, and once removed you will see the light.
Also, unless you're keeping the car numbers matching, a route to electric fans is an easy one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Yep, you can either fight the thing for half a day or just go ahead and pull it and get your stuff done. Pulling the bolts out of the frame is not a good idea because they are knurled and pressed into the frame. If you go ahead and pull the shroud you can avoid all that.
