I'm unable to remove my lower control arm bolts where the rear shocks mount to it? I tried this past weekend and ended up hitting it so much with a hammer that I smashed it to the point where the nut stripped out trying to reattach it.
My rear shocks are squeking and I need to change them but now the bolts (17mm) are screwed up and I need to figure out how to get them out and find replacements.
Does anyone have any suggestions other than taking it to a shop?
Thanks in advance.

btw - 2002 Lancer OZ

 

that sucks that you messed up the threads... just keep spraying it with liquid wrench and slamming it with a hammer... it took me FOREVER to do my rear struts. pick up some new camber bolts from to replace the freshly jacked up ones. some home depot grade 8 bolts will do in a pinch as well... i drove on one that my friend and i milled down when we couldn't get a bolt right away.

 

I was able to use my socket wrench, plus a little leg action to break those suckers loose. The factory torque on those things are ludacris!

 

The shock is crushing the bolt into the control arm. You need to put a jack under the shock to remove that pressure. Then it'll come right out.

 

or just buy a plane ticket for doug and he'll get it right out glad doug lives close... I can just call

 

That works too. I haven't been down to Georgia in 10 years.

Seriously, I only know that from experience. I swapped suspension on my Lancer 3 different times, so I definitely encountered that problem. You live, you learn.

 

Thank you guys for the input. I really appreciate it. I'm going to give it another try tomorrow. It's really pi$$ing me off and became personal. Watch out...

Does anyone know where I can get the replacement bolts and nuts, because I'll probably need them for the other side.

 

stealership

 

Either stealership, or maybe a parts store. Those are pretty big bolts, so the average parts store probably won't carry them... unless you get a similarly sized standard bolt. Maybe look into that.

 

Make sure the bolts are automotive grade if you go to a hardware store!

 

the back bolt on the control arm is spining and wont come out or wont go back in what should i do?

 

i am trying to remove the right front control arm and the back bolt wont come out all the way and wont go back in what should i do????????

 

mine did the same thing till it snapped off did you fix yours if so what did you do?