[Mk2] [Turbo] installing urethane suspension bushings - hit a snag

[Icharus]

Hi Guys,

So much info on this forum I rarely need to ask a question.

I decide to install polyurethane suspension bushings on my '94 rev 3 turbo today.

Started off well but I hit a snag with the bolt holding the strut bar. I managed to undo it about an inch and now it is stuck there. It turns both ways but doesn't won't come out any further or tighten back up.

Any suggestions as to how i get it out?

Here is a link to a pic of the area i'm talking about from a guy who documented the installation of his bushings.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1068705 ... 0197aWnnkz

[djpkins]

no easy way...hacksaw down the sides of burn it out,VERY CAREFULLY,actually that was an unwise suggestion on a car that isn't been stripped...I have one exactly the same, my feeling is that you will have to saw through the bolt... not easy but you just can't get access to give it a good whack...good luck man.

[Icharus]

hmmm..burn it out....hadn't actually considered that but its sounding tempting

[pbmr2]

it looks like it has come out of the threads and the twist of the joint is holding it in. can you get access to the threaded end and confirm if it's still in there or not?

if it is free at one end thn you can get a slide hammer and fix to the head of the bolt and pull it out. might help to lever the bushing casing so it's not putting as much pressure on the bolt.

i've used a lever under the bolt head before and then just put the gun on there untill it winds it's way out. if it's under tention then it might kill the bolt's threads. try to release the pressure by moving the bushing with a lever.

if it's stuck in the threads then it's harder. you could cut the bolt with a cutting disc on a grinder, then you'd have to drill th renainder of the bolt of the thread and tap the last bit out.

or maybe the nut part has brokn off the mounting? if so just clamp it and carry on undoing the bolt.

good luck

[Slarty]

Hmmm from memory, the other end of the bolt is a square nut welded in place onto the bracket. It sounds like possibly the weld has failed? If that's the case and the nut is spinning, hold it with a spanner and carry on undoing the bolt.

[bluesmoke]

Might not help in this case but could you move the end of the arm up a bit with a jack and have another go at it?

[Icharus]

well..against my better judgment...went for a drive..seemed to do the trick and wound the bolt in a bit more so it caught the thread. Managed to get it all the way done up so it lives to fight again another day.

Might have another go at it after the weekend.

Cheers for the help guys.

[Icharus]

This is turning out to be the most frustrating job.

After taking the front strut bar and control arm off the car i am struggling to get the little inner ring out of the strut bar. Does anyone have any suggestions?