'85 GSL Lower Control Arm Removal
05-10-2007, 02:28 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Midway, KY
Posts: 108
I'm doing a bunch of front end work(replacing tie-rod ends, wheel bearings, front hubs, etc.) on a '85 GSL. As of now I'm stuck trying to remove the lower control arm bolt. I have removed the nut and the bolt will turn but will not come out of the mounting hole, even with several whacks from a ball peen hammer. It seems as though it needs to be pressed out. I have a gear puller but haven't found a solid place to mount it to. What do you suggest I do? Also, how hard is it to remove the ball joint on the control arm? Thanks for your time. David
05-11-2007, 07:30 PM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 13
Originally Posted by j9fd3s' post='871439' date='May 11 2007, 08:04 AM
yeah thats weird, it should just pop right out
I had to cut through the bolt on either size of the bushing (inside the crossmember) with a hacksaw blade. Not fun but this is the price for owning an old car.
05-12-2007, 03:01 PM
#7
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Midway, KY
Posts: 108
Originally Posted by bruceman' post='871505' date='May 11 2007, 07:30 PM
It may be seized/rusted in the steel sleeve of the bushing. Pounding on it will not help it will just damage the cross member. I have experienced this!
I had to cut through the bolt on either size of the bushing (inside the crossmember) with a hacksaw blade. Not fun but this is the price for owning an old car.
I believe you are correct. Thanks for the advice. Can't wait to install the ISC Racing modded control arms!
05-25-2007, 07:21 PM
#10
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 84
Lots of P B Blaster and heat to loosen the bolt from the sleeve. I've even had to use an air chisel with a pointed end to hammer out the bolt. As for the ball joints, they need to be pressed in and out. It's quite easy to distort the LCA when doing this, particularly when presing the old rusted ones out.