Lower Control Arm Rear Bolt
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Lower Control Arm Rear Bolt
Hello,
I'm a new owner of a 96 Coupe and in the course of installing poly bushings I encountered a problem removing the rear bolt in the lower control arm. The bolt is installed from the rear forward and when I attempted to remove it the cross brace that also carries the engine mount prevents the removal of the bolt, when the head of the bolt hits the cross brace there is still about a 1/2 of the bolt in the control arm.
I tried manuvering the control arm in all directions without success. can anyone tell me what I am missing? I ended up cutting the bolt to remove and have two new bolts coming in Wednesday but if I put the bolt in from rear to front I will have the same problem. The bolt can be inserted front to rear I don't know if that would create a problem.
Thanks in advance, I know someone will set me straight
I'm a new owner of a 96 Coupe and in the course of installing poly bushings I encountered a problem removing the rear bolt in the lower control arm. The bolt is installed from the rear forward and when I attempted to remove it the cross brace that also carries the engine mount prevents the removal of the bolt, when the head of the bolt hits the cross brace there is still about a 1/2 of the bolt in the control arm.
I tried manuvering the control arm in all directions without success. can anyone tell me what I am missing? I ended up cutting the bolt to remove and have two new bolts coming in Wednesday but if I put the bolt in from rear to front I will have the same problem. The bolt can be inserted front to rear I don't know if that would create a problem.
Thanks in advance, I know someone will set me straight
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Lake Lure NC
The factory installed the bolt before the braces were in place. Many people have cut the bolt and reinstalled in the opposite direction with success and no issues. I see no problems installing the bolt in the opposite direction unless you have a show quality car.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Lake Lure NC
You will need to support the engine while you remove the brace. (i.e. jack) Next remove the motor mount nut and about 5 bolts holding the brace and your are there. Good Luck it is not a bad job. Make sure you have the car well supported on good jack stands.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Sorry to be a PITA but after reading the replies I am alittle confused, several people have told me there is an additional plate above the braces that will hold the engine just fine and I am also being told to support the engine as the brace carries the engine. If I use a jack to support the engine as suggested exactly where would be the best place to prevent the engine from moving. Especially since I will be under there I would hate for my last vision to be that of my vette taking another step towards destruction. I just got home so I have not been able to get back under it yet but looking at the FSM it does seem that the braces carry the engine and/or mounts plus the FSM makes no mention of removing these braces to remove the control arm ( I know that is not right) So thanks again for being patient with me and helping through this problem
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
I have had both braces off with no jack supporting the engine. It will be fine. The two plates that are welded to the cradle are like 14ga steel. If you are that worried you can put a jack under the oil pan with a 2x4 between the two. It won't dent the pan.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Wellington Fl
Thanks for the update I feel better now knowing you have them off without any problem. I will pass on the 2 x 4 and if you don't hear from me you will know where to get a good deal on a 96 Polo Green coupe that will need some suspension work.
PS all the parts will be available
PS all the parts will be available
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Hah! Have fun. I just spent an absurd amount of time replacing the cradle on my 92, so I've spent a lot of time staring at it during the process of R&R the entire suspension to get it out. It's a nice rigid and strong design for what it weighs, which is less than you'd think from looking at it. I used to support the engine when removing those braces, but now that I've seen the cradle out of the car, I don't bother.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Olathe Ks
I went through the same thing a couple of months ago and it was late at night I was was concerned about removing the two braces. It does look like it does support the motor. It is fine to remove them. Buy the very best grease you can for the poly bushings the is water resistant.
