Control arm
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Joined: Oct 2020
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From: Duncan, BC, Canada
Control arm
Any tips on how to remove big bolt on rear of lower control arm? I am hoping that I won’t have to dismantle too much in order to gain access to the top bolt. Anyone have a preferred way of doing this? Thanks all.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Maybe a little more specificity: the bolt that goes through the frame uprights in front of the rear wheels? Or the bolt that goes through the lower ears of the trailing arm that supports the lower shock mount and alignment strut rods?
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
It's a bolt and a nut. put a wrench on top, a socket with a ratchet on the bottom, unscrew. And yes, I certainly hope you have removed the coil spring first.
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Joined: Oct 2020
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From: Duncan, BC, Canada
Yeah, everything is dismantled, spring, shock, etc. I guess there is no getting around removing steering fluid reservoir, etc, to gain access to top of bolt. I’m really looking forward to all new bushings and lower springs.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,335
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
from under the car slide your wrench in-between the resivor and frame. I'm certain I never touched my power steering resivor when removing my A arms. the bolt can just stay in the frame.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Nashville Ga
I literally just got done with this. You need the offset wrench. You could probably do it with a regular wrench. Depending on your situation the bolt will probably be seized to the control arm. Use lots of pb blaster. You will have to nudge the transmissions lines out if the way on the passengers side. At least I did on my 81
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Joined: Oct 2020
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From: Duncan, BC, Canada
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 87
Likes: 9
From: Duncan, BC, Canada
That’s so great to hear! I can spend my energy shopping for a new wrench instead of redundant disassembly. I will focus on drivers side first. The AC compressor worries me a bit on the passenger side but I’ll worry about that later. Thanks!
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Joined: Aug 1999
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The bolt/threads are often corroded. Use a 1/2" drive impact wrench on the bolt while holding the nut with the wrench.
Lars
Lars
Last edited by lars; Jul 25, 2021 at 11:13 AM.
