Upper Control Arm Issue
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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Upper Control Arm Issue
I am currently removing the upper control arms on the right side of my vehicle. During attempted removal I broke the head of the bolt holding the control arm in off. It is very difficult to now remove this bolt. I have tried to use a veriety of pliers to hold the remains of the bolt head as I attempt to lossen the nut on the other side of the control arm. I have broken the nut loose, it is just a b**** to remove. Has anyone else encountered this during their removal process? Any suggestion on removing? I have pictures of the bolt below;
Thanks,
Gibson
1997 Audi A4 Quattro 5 speed manual
Borla Exhaust
GIAC ECU
17' Christian Fittapaldi Limited Edition wheels
Eibach gas shocks and lowering springs
Audi Laser Red
Cream and Black "Sport" interior
S-Line steering wheel
Thanks,
Gibson
1997 Audi A4 Quattro 5 speed manual
Borla Exhaust
GIAC ECU
17' Christian Fittapaldi Limited Edition wheels
Eibach gas shocks and lowering springs
Audi Laser Red
Cream and Black "Sport" interior
S-Line steering wheel
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Evanston, IL
I assume that you broke the notorious "pinch bolt" that holds both upper control arms to the front suspension upright. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common occurance. First of all, spray the heck out of it with some PB Blaster or other penetrating oil over several days. Then try to find an M10 coupling nut and some washers; remove the original nut and using the coupling nut (more screw thread to bite into the bolt) and washers try to pull the remnants of the bolt out the back way - see a good writeup on this procedure on PassatWorld.
Even armed with a case-hardened coupling nut and washers, and many days use of penetrating oil, both sides broke off of my pinch bolts. I took it to a shop that used an oxyacetylene torch to heat the upright to red hot, then pounded it out with an air hammer. I have now replaced all front control arms and the bushings on the rear upper arms; the car drives like brand new, so it's eventually worth it!
Even armed with a case-hardened coupling nut and washers, and many days use of penetrating oil, both sides broke off of my pinch bolts. I took it to a shop that used an oxyacetylene torch to heat the upright to red hot, then pounded it out with an air hammer. I have now replaced all front control arms and the bushings on the rear upper arms; the car drives like brand new, so it's eventually worth it!
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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Not the Pinch Bolt
The issue I am having is with the actual control arm bolts that hold it to the shock mounts underneath. I have successfully removed the pinch bolt already. Thanks for your response, can you still help, any suggestions?
Thanks,
Gibson
Thanks,
Gibson
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Evanston, IL
Well, if the bolt head is already off, why can't you pull it out the other way using the nut to spin the bolt's shaft? You have to pull the upper shock mount in any case, so it should be fairly straightforward - unless I'm missing something.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 10
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So, In any case you must remove the shocks tower brace around the control arms to get them off?
I have attempted to send pictures but for someone reason when I try to attach a file the website freezes up.
Thanks,
Gibson
I have attempted to send pictures but for someone reason when I try to attach a file the website freezes up.
Thanks,
Gibson
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Pictures
Thank you,
Gibson
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