Lost Bolt Nuts In Frame
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Lake Lure NC
Lost Bolt Nuts In Frame
Ok guys I did something stupid. I was installing the upper and lower arms in the rear suspension of my 92 when the nut fell into the hole in the below picture. Now I believe the nut is down at the curve area of the frame. How do I get the nut out so I doing have to hear it rattling around for the rest of my life?
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mothersworry//hole.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mothersworry//hole.jpg
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Provided that the bottom of that curved area has a lip or is sealed to hold the nut you may want to use the following tool. It's available from your local Sears store for about $5-6. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
I can't tell from your picture where it went, but I don't know of anything that is so completely sealed up that water could collect and rust out the frame. So, it will probably roll out from somewhere at some point (and if you forget that's it's there, you'll say what in the hell was that?). Otherwise, get a mechanic's magnet at any discounter or straighten out a coat hanger and try to push it out.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Yup, a magnet on a flex stick, similar to the flex grabber in the post above. I did the same thing last year, got it right out without a problem. But then I had the mag. in my toolbox already... mine actually has a light on the end too which is cool.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 3
From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
Originally Posted by Admiral94
Provided that the bottom of that curved area has a lip or is sealed to hold the nut you may want to use the following tool.
I have the same tool, only shorter...it's great for getting all sorts of things out of hard-to-reach places. Even if it doesn't work for ya' in this particular instance, you'll be better off having it in the future!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
If necessary you can remove the bracket that the fronts of the arms bolt to and gaim much better access to the holes. Only three bolts hold it to the chassis, 18mm socket for all.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Man, I feel for you. I fortunately read a post similar to yours before I did my rear control arms, and put some duct tape over the holes prior to removing the nuts. Reinstalling is when you're most at risk of dropping them, but it can be done on removal too.
The magnet tool should do the trick. Good luck with it. BTW, nice looking control arms. Those aluminum suspension components shine up nice.
The magnet tool should do the trick. Good luck with it. BTW, nice looking control arms. Those aluminum suspension components shine up nice.
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a mirror is nice to 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
Likes: 2
From: eville in
Originally Posted by mothersworry
Mission Accomplished. It is out. Thanks for all the advice and I just found the 101st use for duct tape.
cool But you have a lot to learn,,, millions of uses for duct tape 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 393
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
In the helms manual under the noises diagnosis section (I can't remember better than that) it actually tells the GM techs to just pour glue in the hole to hold the nut in place so it doesn't rattle.
Fortunately I've never had to deal with that, but came awfully close once.
Fortunately I've never had to deal with that, but came awfully close once.
