cyclop5

so I'm trying to replace a LCA (was told the ball joint went bad). got most of the bolts loose, but I'm having some issues with the er, horizontal bolt that's in front. (You know - the one where you have to move the steering rack to get it out? that one). After attempting to remove the welded on nut (duh) for a while, I attacked the bolt. It moves free enough, but it's.. springy... Like, perhaps the bushing is frozen onto the bolt. I hit it up with some torch goodness, and now it's turning, but.. I broke the most of the weld holding the nut on (it's still welded on at this point, but not by much).

Here's my fear - The weld will break, the nut will spin off, but the bolt will still be stuck by the bushing (or the bushing sleeve). I would normally think of hammering at that point, but the space doesn't lend itself to getting in there to take a whack at the bolt.

I've sprayed about a half can of PB Blast on there, and I'm letting it sit overnight. Anyone else have any thoughts on this? Should I just keep going and break the weld and remove the nut? I have no idea if I could even get in there with a hack saw or anything (worst case scenario), so I'm coming to you guys.

Thanks in advance.

yourmom6990

Can you post a picture?

cyclop5

I broke out the Sawzall finally and cut both ends off the bolt. I was hoping to avoid that, but sometimes brute force is required.

ilke2surf

I JUST did the same thing you did except u just put some elbow grease in the bolt for the steering rack and it came off. Wasn't bad. Sucks but do what ya need