Lower control arm removal - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Heads-up · 03-27-2022, 12:39 PM

I'm installing LCA from BMR. The right side arm will not come off. The left side came off easily. The bolt goes through the frame and then the lca has a rubber bushing with a steel core. I've tried heat and impact and the bolt wont slide out of the sleeve to let the lower control arm drop free. It barely rotates under all the force i can put on it with a 1/2 inch 20" bar. It may be bent and thats' why it wont slide out of the control arm. I may have to cut the head off the bolt. Before i take drastic measures has anyone had this issue or a suggestion?

Heads-up · 03-27-2022, 12:47 PM

Second picture is of the removed left LCA

demonspeed · 03-27-2022, 12:54 PM

Have you tried the big ficking hammer?

Heads-up · 03-27-2022, 02:34 PM

Yes I have tried a hammer. I cant hit it straight on the end due to the exhaust being partially in the way. I put a punch on the bolt it and hit it as hard as i can. I'd pull the exhaust, but the last owner cut off the exhaust pipes and welded new mufflers on. I have to cut them off and get them re-welded.

fz4k98 · 03-27-2022, 04:34 PM

If there is room, setup a c clamp by putting an oversized socket over the bolt head so there is no pressure on the bolt head. the other end of the c clamp pressing on the oher end of the bolt. Apply as much c clamp force as possible, then take a hammer and screwdriver or something to hit the side of the bolt. If it moves, retighten the c clamp and repeat until it is loose enough. Make sure to use some type of liquid wrench or something on it also.

I have had luck doing this as there is pressure on the bolt to extract it and the suden hit with a hammer provides a shock that may loosen it some.

Good luck/

demonspeed · 03-27-2022, 05:42 PM

At this point, with everything you’ve attempted, just cut it out and get a new one. It’s likely rusted to crap anyway.

Heads-up · 03-27-2022, 07:02 PM

I'll try the c clamp. Thanks for that suggestion. If that doesn't work I'll cut it.

SS 310H55A · 04-08-2022, 09:49 AM

Try a hammer and a punch

gsxrturbo · 04-08-2022, 12:05 PM

soak it with pb blaster and let it soak a day or 2

03-27-2022, 12:39 PM	#1
Heads-up Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Bozeman Montana Posts: 38	Lower control arm removal I'm installing LCA from BMR. The right side arm will not come off. The left side came off easily. The bolt goes through the frame and then the lca has a rubber bushing with a steel core. I've tried heat and impact and the bolt wont slide out of the sleeve to let the lower control arm drop free. It barely rotates under all the force i can put on it with a 1/2 inch 20" bar. It may be bent and thats' why it wont slide out of the control arm. I may have to cut the head off the bolt. Before i take drastic measures has anyone had this issue or a suggestion?

03-27-2022, 12:47 PM	#2
Heads-up Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Bozeman Montana Posts: 38	Second picture is of the removed left LCA Attached Images

03-27-2022, 12:54 PM	#3
demonspeed not afraid of the wall Drives: Camaros Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,148	Have you tried the big ficking hammer? __________________ 2023 1LE 1SS BCD GCF JF5 MN6 SIA SLN UQT 10/13/22: 1100 Past Camaros: 13 1LE\|02 SS\|01 Z28\|00 SS\|91 1LE\|91 Z28\|89 IROC-Z

03-27-2022, 05:42 PM	#6
demonspeed not afraid of the wall Drives: Camaros Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,148	At this point, with everything you’ve attempted, just cut it out and get a new one. It’s likely rusted to crap anyway. __________________ 2023 1LE 1SS BCD GCF JF5 MN6 SIA SLN UQT 10/13/22: 1100 Past Camaros: 13 1LE\|02 SS\|01 Z28\|00 SS\|91 1LE\|91 Z28\|89 IROC-Z

04-08-2022, 09:49 AM	#8
SS 310H55A Drives: 2014 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Southern California Posts: 253	Try a hammer and a punch __________________ 2014 SS \| MGW Flat Stick shifter \| Raceseng Slammer shift knob \| Z/28 spoiler and grill

03-27-2022, 02:34 PM	#4
Heads-up Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Bozeman Montana Posts: 38	Yes I have tried a hammer. I cant hit it straight on the end due to the exhaust being partially in the way. I put a punch on the bolt it and hit it as hard as i can. I'd pull the exhaust, but the last owner cut off the exhaust pipes and welded new mufflers on. I have to cut them off and get them re-welded.

03-27-2022, 04:34 PM	#5
fz4k98 Drives: 2013 1ss Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: WI. Posts: 518	If there is room, setup a c clamp by putting an oversized socket over the bolt head so there is no pressure on the bolt head. the other end of the c clamp pressing on the oher end of the bolt. Apply as much c clamp force as possible, then take a hammer and screwdriver or something to hit the side of the bolt. If it moves, retighten the c clamp and repeat until it is loose enough. Make sure to use some type of liquid wrench or something on it also. I have had luck doing this as there is pressure on the bolt to extract it and the suden hit with a hammer provides a shock that may loosen it some. Good luck/

03-27-2022, 07:02 PM	#7
Heads-up Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Bozeman Montana Posts: 38	I'll try the c clamp. Thanks for that suggestion. If that doesn't work I'll cut it.

04-08-2022, 12:05 PM	#9
gsxrturbo Drives: 2010 ss Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: windom mn Posts: 337	soak it with pb blaster and let it soak a day or 2