lower rear knuckle torx bolts

[shagdrum]

is there any trick to getting these things off? I have soaked them in PB blaster for days and still can't get 'em. The torx bit seems to simply spin out and start to strip the torx head.

 

[BAD97LSC]

you cant loosen them with a torques bit, you have to break the nut loose on the opposite end first, you'll snap them torque's bits left and right if you try to loosen the bolt with just that, break the nut loose first.

 

[shagdrum]

you cant loosen them with a torques bit, you have to break the nut loose on the opposite end first, you'll snap them torque's bits left and right if you try to loosen the bolt with just that, break the nut loose first.

Thanks. got 'em out after I did that

 

[danny_holtermann]

What size nuts are those, and what size torque?

 

[BAD97LSC]

i cant remember nut size i think 21 mm or somewhere close, the torque's is a t-50

 

[shagdrum]

Just went out an checked; 24 mm. Here is a basic walkthrough.

Jamie, on the inner LCA bushings, is there any trick there? Got the ones off on the bumper side of the LCA but the other ones are givin me trouble.

 

[BAD97LSC]

one of them on each side is fairly easy but the opposite side isnt because the head of the bolt is inbound making it tougher to get the t-50 in it! its easiest to unbolt the axle nut, unbolt the upper control arm bolt and drop the knuckle down and pull the axle shaft out of the way first, with the axle shaft in the knuckle, it causes that inbound bolt head to get jammed againt the cv joint then you cant gen the bolt out!

 

[shagdrum]

one of them on each side is fairly easy but the opposite side isnt because the head of the bolt is inbound making it tougher to get the t-50 in it! its easiest to unbolt the axle nut, unbolt the upper control arm bolt and drop the knuckle down and pull the axle shaft out of the way first, with the axle shaft in the knuckle, it causes that inbound bolt head to get jammed againt the cv joint then you cant gen the bolt out!

I got the knuckle off and the halfshafts out.

The bolt I am talking about is on the side of the LCA closest to the differential; specifically, the bolt on each LAC closest to the driveshaft. I have broken one impact socket trying to get it (a cheap, harbor freight impact socket). I don't have an impact wrench...

The bolt closest to the gas tank with the plastic or rubber cap on it.

 

[DLF]

I got the knuckle off and the halfshafts out.

The bolt I am talking about is on the side of the LCA closest to the differential; specifically, the bolt on each LAC closest to the driveshaft. I have broken one impact socket trying to get it (a cheap, harbor freight impact socket). I don't have an impact wrench...

The bolt closest to the gas tank with the plastic or rubber cap on it.

I've never had a problem with that one, it should be the easiest bolt in the entire suspensiuon to remove, as the nut with the plastic cap on it is aluminum.

Hold the aluminum nut with a large crescent wrench and then loosen the bolt with a breaker bar (since you don't have air tools).

Usually the rear LCA bolt, with the camber adjuster, is the problem.

 

[shagdrum]

got those bolts off, now struggling with the exhaust to get the inner LCA bolt closest to it on the passenger side off. Can't loosen the connection on the exhaust to drop it enough to get the bolt out...

 

[BAD97LSC]

time for a torch! cut now, ask questions later!

 

[shagdrum]

Letting the bolt on the exhaust hanger soak in PB Blaster for about an hour did the trick.

Tomorrow; driveshaft removal!

Any tips?

Thanks for the input already given!

 

[Sapperfire]

Drive shaft removal... Remove cross brace, drop gas tank, tranmission in park losen the rear drive shaft bolts from yolk that you can reach, place in neutral and rotate shaft for clearance on other 2 bolts, the best tool for the drive shaft bolts is a 12 pnt CRAFTSMAN wrench and you can use a 21mm box end as a cheater if needed

 

[shagdrum]

Thanks! How far you gotta drop the gas tank? Differential is still in the car.