I'm doing a bunch of front end work(replacing tie-rod ends, wheel bearings, front hubs, etc.) on a '85 GSL. As of now I'm stuck trying to remove the lower control arm bolt. I have removed the nut and the bolt will turn but will not come out of the mounting hole, even with several whacks from a ball peen hammer. It seems as though it needs to be pressed out. I have a gear puller but haven't found a solid place to mount it to. What do you suggest I do? Also, how hard is it to remove the ball joint on the control arm? Thanks for your time. David

 

can you tap it out? maybe with a little drift? its not pressed in there.



ball joint is part of the arm

 

The interesting thing is that I have been trying with a drift. The little fxxker is in there tight somehow. Probably has never been removed.

 

I think I'm gonna burn out the bushings and see whats causing the hold up.

 

yeah thats weird, it should just pop right out

 

It may be seized/rusted in the steel sleeve of the bushing. Pounding on it will not help it will just damage the cross member. I have experienced this!

I had to cut through the bolt on either size of the bushing (inside the crossmember) with a hacksaw blade. Not fun but this is the price for owning an old car.

 

I believe you are correct. Thanks for the advice. Can't wait to install the ISC Racing modded control arms!

 

Heating the bolts should unseize the bolt. A set of torches are very handy when owning an old car.

 

i'm in california, my 79 is still shiny on the bottom....

 

Lots of P B Blaster and heat to loosen the bolt from the sleeve. I've even had to use an air chisel with a pointed end to hammer out the bolt. As for the ball joints, they need to be pressed in and out. It's quite easy to distort the LCA when doing this, particularly when presing the old rusted ones out.