Lowering bolts replacement
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 154
Likes: 22
From: TEXAS
Bump.
My lowering bolts are fused (FUSED). I've tried soaking with PB overnight repeatedly, hand tools, and even an electric impact with no luck.
How can I remove them without damaging the spring? My though was I could cut them off.
I appreciate any ideas here.
-GK
My lowering bolts are fused (FUSED). I've tried soaking with PB overnight repeatedly, hand tools, and even an electric impact with no luck.
How can I remove them without damaging the spring? My though was I could cut them off.
I appreciate any ideas here.
-GK
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Don't know the answer, but I would not cut them off. If you do, only the threaded part will be stuck in the spring and then you red really screwed.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 154
Likes: 22
From: TEXAS
You're right, I forgot they are threaded into the spring. I'd like to avoid buying new springs (you'd be halfway to the cost of coilovers at that point).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 808
From: West coast CA
Are you unloading the bolts first by lifting the spring?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 181
From: Lockport IL
Where are you located?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 514
Likes: 85
Raising the height on c6 GS question
I installed the Corvette Central OEM reproduction bolts to replace my OEM ones whose bushings were half gone by 130K miles.
Installation is easy but time-consuming - provided that your bolts aren't seized. Mine were easy to turn, but a few people have reported frozen bolts. In that case, try applying penetrating oil and letting it work overnight.
To change out the bolts, you need to jack up the car to remove the wheel, put the car on stands, and then jack up the spring itself (use a block of wood to avoid damaging the spring). This will unload the adjuster bolt so you can remove the old one and install the new one.
Be smart, don't put your fingers someplace where they could get squished if the jack releases.
Working one corner at a time, the anti-roll bar will be fighting you. So I recommend disconnecting one end link first (doesn't matter which side).
Leave the links undone until you get the ride height adjusted. This may take several cycles of turning the bolts, driving around to settle the suspension, measuring the height at the fenders, rinse, repeat.
Installation is easy but time-consuming - provided that your bolts aren't seized. Mine were easy to turn, but a few people have reported frozen bolts. In that case, try applying penetrating oil and letting it work overnight.
To change out the bolts, you need to jack up the car to remove the wheel, put the car on stands, and then jack up the spring itself (use a block of wood to avoid damaging the spring). This will unload the adjuster bolt so you can remove the old one and install the new one.
Be smart, don't put your fingers someplace where they could get squished if the jack releases.
Working one corner at a time, the anti-roll bar will be fighting you. So I recommend disconnecting one end link first (doesn't matter which side).
Leave the links undone until you get the ride height adjusted. This may take several cycles of turning the bolts, driving around to settle the suspension, measuring the height at the fenders, rinse, repeat.
Any input will be appreciated. I want to get a new alignment once I make the adjustment.
JB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 808
From: West coast CA
It's a little crowded in there for a floor jack, though. A bottle jack is ideal for lifting the spring.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Cliff note version is that you have to have a gap between the bolt and the spring. If you don't have any, you won't be able to turn the bolt.
When I did it, I removed the spring.
When I did it, I removed the spring.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 514
Likes: 85
Thanks for your input
Had a guy tell me that all you had to do was leave wheels on and turn them enough to get access to the bolt. That certainly was an over statement.
Thanks,
Jim
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 154
Likes: 22
From: TEXAS