Problem during alignment

[alp]

Hi guys,

First question from a newbie on your very usefull Forum.
I've recently got 1999 T4R and done some work on it in
my garage (timing belt, water pump, all fluids, etc). It was
time to take it to the alignment shop because I can see
the right wheel has wrong camber.
The alignment guy told me that the lower arm front and rear
adjusting cams/bolts/nuts got frozen and must be replaced.
I was told that the lower arm to be removed in order to do it
and the labor involved in this operation will drive the price up
to $600+.
Does anyone run into the same situation? Any advise how to
remove these frozen parts at home will be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[techno]

I was told the same thing during an alignment a few months ago. The dealer claimed that the entire lower control arm had to be replaced, which I am certain is bullsh!t, since the factory service manual shows how to remove and install just the bushes. But yes, the LCA does need to come off.

I haven't done mine yet but before I do I will first soak them for a day or two with PB Blaster and see if that helps unfreezes them first. If that doesn't work, then I will replace them. I'm guessing that since you did the timing belt yourself you have the tools and skills to tackle this one too. The only special tools required according to the book is a press, but that can be done sometimes with a few well placed strikes with a calibrated hammer.

 

[alp]

I was told the same thing during an alignment a few months ago. The dealer claimed that the entire lower control arm had to be replaced, which I am certain is bullsh!t, since the factory service manual shows how to remove and install just the bushes. But yes, the LCA does need to come off.

I haven't done mine yet but before I do I will first soak them for a day or two with PB Blaster and see if that helps unfreezes them first. If that doesn't work, then I will replace them. I'm guessing that since you did the timing belt yourself you have the tools and skills to tackle this one too. The only special tools required according to the book is a press, but that can be done sometimes with a few well placed strikes with a calibrated hammer.

Thanks a lot for your input! Do you think it will be possible if I just cut the bolt's head and the nut off. After the ends are cut off the adjuster cam bolt, the control arm bolts will remain inside the control arm bushings and I will punched them out and through without removing of LCA?

 

[JeremyH]

A bit of advice from someone who has dealt with (and hates) those cam bolts....make sure you mark their position BEFORE you remove them.

 

[alp]

A bit of advice from someone who has dealt with (and hates) those cam bolts....make sure you mark their position BEFORE you remove them.

Good point but I don't think so it is too important in my case. After I replace cam bolts alignment to be done anyway. Unless I am missing something?