control arm problems

[A_325i]

ok it took me a little while to get my left control arm off but i finally got it i have to use an open end wrench instead of a ratchet and socket because of the lack of space now ummm the right side seems to be giving me a HUGE problem uhhh the exhuast and the heatsheild for the engine mount are both right in the way ...is there any easy way to get the right control arm off? this kinda sucks i really dont wann have to drop the subframe


also ummm should i disconnect the tierods from the struts? i was going to do this but i really didnt want to ruin the tierod balljoints as i did with the control arm balljoints the only way i know how to remove them is with the picklefork looking thing(balljoint seperator?) and that thing just shreds thes rubber covers

[KenC]

You might have to drop the exhaust, but you can just bend that heatshield with your hand.

[A_325i]

hmmm drop the exhuast? you mean unbolt the manifold? eh that isnt gonna happen..............damn

[e30evolution]

when i did it, i cut a wrench to about 2-3" long and then welded it back together at an angle so i would still have the torque to turn it

[KenC]

What about a crows foot?

[A_325i]

when i did it, i cut a wrench to about 2-3" long and then welded it back together at an angle so i would still have the torque to turn it

very good idea unfortunatly i dont have a welder :-(



and what the hell is a crowsfoot?

[e30evolution]

crows foot are too short.... they make some that are longer designed to give more mechanical advantage in situations like this


i have this ratchet.... which has 10 degree for locking the indexing head.... helpful in some situations... can also be used as a speed handle

[PeaveyBassist]

Crow's foot and a U-joint with a lot of extensions to the top side of the engine bay. Use a big ass ratchet/breaker bar. It took me a while to do.

Will

[e9nine]

Extensions with a flex joint inbetween. Get a quality joint as a cheap one will break on u. BTDT.
I always use a combo of extensions and a 23mm stubby wrench for the ctrl arms.

[A_325i]

alright well ill try the wrench that i used on the left for the right today if that doesnt work then i guess ill have to improvise....i dont have too many extenstions when you guys say use a bunch of extensions do you mean go through the engine bay? or still do it under the car? i dont under stand how you can fit a socket over that nut with the exhuast in the way like it is especially if it has that many extensions? i could barely fit a socket over the left one let alone the right

[arsevader]

Yes that side is a major pain in the ass on the 6 cylinder engines. I found the best combo is a stubby 22mm wrench and a regular 22mm wrench.

Provided you can break the nut free, you will have to alternate between the 2 of them. Also you may need to provide leverage on the stubby with the long one.

James

[nando]

this might be one case where working on an ix is actually easier... both inner ball joints are accessable from the top (you need to remove the airbox to get to the drivers side). I was able to break them free and use a mallet on my extensions to knock the ball joint out, easy as pie.

[jwilson165]

yeah agreed with the iX. i know that the strut towers are at less of an angle than the i so that might have something to do with it. i was able to get at the inner with a long extention and breaker bar. the outer i used a 2mm wrench. dont remember getting caught on anything. what are you getting caught on? good luck.

[A_325i]

eh i got it didnt need to hack anything up or weld any special tools or any shit like that just brute force and a lot of swearing


YAY the fucker is off....is it easier to put it back on?

[nefarious7907]

I cant get my inner ball joint out on my driver side, I have tried jack up underneath it, it has been soaked with liquid wrench and when it turns with the ball. Any other ideas of how to remove a nut that has rusted to a bolt? changing control arms and tie rods shouldnt take a week.