Exactly as mentioned, reverse orientation which is very common in these instances with our control arms and the bolt fits perfectly. There's nothing "special" about the bolts except for size and the design. As long as the bolt matches up in those ways, you are good. The factory is not the only place that manufacturers hardware that meets the standard for suspensions. Most of the aftermarket companies offer replacement pieces that aren't from the factory. But everyone is free to do what they feel is best. Good luck to the OP for whichever he chooses

 

Cutting the bolt is without a doubt the easiest way.

Someone mentioned there is nothing special about the bolts. I would advice not replacing it with any old bolt from the hardware store.

Make sure to match the grade of the new bolt with the old one...very important.

 

 

I agree. Sorry I didn't mention that but Definately go with the same grade bolt and not just a general off the shelf. There's a place here locally that stocks just about anything in various grades.

 

I read your info as followed.



The bolt has the 13mm shoulder for x-member fit, a 12mm shoulder for the bushing bore and a the reduced diameter that is accomplished by the threading operation which likely the x-member bore is adjusted to accommodate.


wvzr1 where did you get these mesurments?

always wanting to learn!!!!!

 

Thank you everyone for your replies.

 

your welcome let us know how it works out.

 

I worked as a flat rate tech, I know the ways to save time. Doesn't mean I do "hack" work. I won't do that. Sometimes more work is less work. I've learned that the hard way. Removing one component to get to the hard to reach one is sometimes the fastest way. You cannot short cut everything. The FSM gives you can idea at least. In this case the K braces come out, its pretty easy actually. Maybe takes 5 minutes with hand tools even working on a creeper and stands.

 

and don't do hack work but common sense does come into play. would love to see your five min video of the brace. always wanting to learn.

and I gave him both ways to fix it his choice what else do you think I should have done?

looking back at your advice on this thread has been telling him to read a book and calling me a hack. how is this helpful?

 

one case I remember was on a 77 nova. the drive indicator not working. first step to fix by the book was pull Instrument panel.our way was to move the seat forward. then put your knees gently on the lower part of the panel with slight pressure. and feel for it while seeing the indicator move and line it up. then grab the steering wheel and push hard with your knees locking the pin in place. one of many (HACK) jobs I have learned over the years. by doing it by the book would have cost alot more and a good chance of doing more damage. I know getting paid by the hour makes more money but not always more sense!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Just for clarification, hack job, to me is not what your describing. Finding a quicker way WITHOUT doing any damage to anything else or causing undue strain is not hacking stuff.

What is hacking? Making holes in things that should not have holes to get to a component/bolt. I've seen it done. Not putting things back together right, breaking stuff and not fixing it, busting stuff on purpose instead of working smarter, pad slapping brake jobs WITHOUT lubricating anything!!!! Pet peeve of mine! Then they wear out fast because the pins are seized,etc....

I've had plenty of jobs that I tired to find a short cut and that wound up taking longer than just doing it the way the book said. Just depends on the car and situation. Its very hard to short cut newer cars. The book is a guide, but you have to use your own brain. Sometimes your too smart for your own good. I've been burned by the book and burned by my "short cut." Try finding a short cut to a Blend door motor on a Nissan Titan, ain't gonna happen. That dash is coming out wither you like it or not!

The FSM says to remove the K braces. Its a procedure so you don't have to buy bolts. If you want to cut them and then spend the money. That is your business. He asked how to remove, the FSM says to remove K braces. How is that NOT helpful.

IMHO, if your wrenching on vehicles without some sort of information your either a genius, taking a educated guess, or flying blind. I don't remember everything about every car or even my C4. I look up stuff all the time. Kinda makes sense?

 

thats fine but if you look you will see I already told him that with the size and number of bolts.

sorry that I took offence but you did tag my post with your hack comment.

and for makeing holes you must have never done a timming belt in a ford escort LMAO

 

So what control arm bushings is everybody using? I can't seem to find the regular rubber ones anywhere. Is everyone using the polyurethane ones ?

 

not sure but becareful what kind of grease get on them.