What is the proper way to remove the lower bolt that connects the strut to the lower control arm on the rear suspension?

I've done a few suspension installs and have broken the head off of that bolt 3 times (EK, Integra RS, CRX). It seems all the rust and grime seizes that bolt.

 

On older cars the bolt siezes to the bushing in the LCA.
In that case you have to cut the bolt, remove the shock, and replace the bushing.

 

That's what I have been doing. Dang it, I thought there was a proper way to do it without replacing the bolt and bushing.

Here in Canada (with the extreme weather changes), 2 year old cars have seized bolts. And to top it all off, the local honda dealer does not keep these in stock (idiots!).

 

You should take them out while they can be and put some antiseize in there

 

gott love FL weather, the fact that it NEVER snows and there is no salt on any of the roads.

 

Sure, rub it in.

-Tommy who hopes to land a job in Florida sometime soon.

 

Not only do they not keep them in stock, I actually tried ordering them for my 85 CRX (at least once), and all they can find on the parts diagram (and what they keep sending me) is the bolts that keep the brakes/backing plate onto the control arm! :mad

Mike K -- got a part number for those babies?
Otherwise I'll be shopping at the hardware store for some big metric sized bolts!!

 

With Remington 12 gauge shotgun at point blank; execution style. No remorse on that Bizatch.

Just kidding. I'm having way too much fun.

Use an impact wrench. But, even with that, the threads (on the shock fork nut) get kinda ruined after so many removals.

Good luck with it.

 

whats important about that bolt is that its ribbed. thats supposed to keep
it from seizing to the bushing.
but if you absolutely cant find one, it can be replaced with anything that fits
just use some grease/antiseize.
im sure i have some in my stockpile of bolts

 

I liberally applied rusted bolt spray on stuff to whole assembly (both sides) and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then put ratchet and socket on the nut and used my floor jack to apply increasing pressure on the ratchet. In a matter of no time on both sides the bolts broke free

 

Two words...

SMOKE WRENCH
Get some poly bushings, 2 extra bolts (I think the ones that mount the arm to the car will work) a few hours under the car.

Will
-who spew a load of curse words while trying to replace shocks on another car

 

hahahaha... thats great... never heard it called that before Smoke Wrenches are your friend. You can also try heading the out side of the LCA aroudn the bolt and the LCA should expand enought to alow you to take the bolt off.