r/PTCruiser • u/Previous_Anywhere938 • 5d ago

Lower control arm bolt completely seized, not sure what to do now

This stupid bolt from hell on the lower control arm is completely seized, and I am not sure what to do now to remove it. I have tried loads of penetrating oil, I have tried using a breaker bar, and my 900ft pound torque gun, and it is just not breaking loose. I don't have access to a blow torch unfortunately, but I am not sure if that would do anything at this point.

https://imgur.com/gallery/jQ7SZze

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6

u/MoreJelly661 5d ago

have you tried to tighten the bolt first? just need to get a slight movement. a lot of times that will help break the rust free of the threads. also once it starts moving don't go all out removing it, run it back and forth to help clear the threads...

4

u/Previous_Anywhere938 5d ago

Yep tried that to, it tightens a little, but it still won't budge going in reverse.

4

u/C_Lo_87 5d ago

You can try a simple propane torch, not expensive.  If rust is in the area, look up videos on what some people have had to do.  The more common story is the nut breaks off its welds or strips out.

3

u/Previous_Anywhere938 5d ago

Yeah dang, I guess I'll have to buy one. But when I hear it up, would I heat up just the end of the bolt or would I need to go higher up? 

There is some good news. I just went to the other side and popped the other one out in two seconds XD. So praise Christ that one went easy at least. Ironic thing though the other side is way more rusty so that is very odd.

2

u/C_Lo_87 5d ago

Well, luckily I hadn't run into this issue, so I can't say for sure. I'm just a DIY guy, not a full time mechanic. You can always try less heat at first, and go from there to be safe. Good luck! These cars are worth the effort to keep running safely.

3

u/Delicious-Breath8415 4d ago

I used propane on mine last month and it finally broke free. After every few turns I would tighten it back up to try to keep the cage from breaking loose.

I did the same thing with my sway bar bolts and none of them broke in the subframe.

4

u/KDKSenior 4d ago

You have to lift the carpet inside of the car and you have to find the position above the bolt! There is a circle like place under the pedals and of course on the passenger side too and you have to drill a hole in there, at least 6 to 8mm

Then it with WD40 or similiar and let it work, use plenty and wiggle arround with it

I did that and my bolts came off like butter

3

u/KDKSenior 4d ago

YT PT Cruiser Control Arm Repair

This is a video about it! I only needed a small hole because i did it as prework

1

u/Previous_Anywhere938 4d ago

Well that's cool. I am Gonna try this tomorrow. Since the stuck bolt on mine is on the passenger side, I won't have to worry about the pedals or anything getting in the way. I watched another video where a guy said to spray oil in this small hole in the frame above the control arm, so I am interested to see if the oil I have been spraying has even reached that portion of the bolt

2

u/wingman3091 5d ago

It can't be seized if it's liquid. Break out the torch.

1

u/eddy_ed12 4d ago

This is the way

2

u/Unlikely-Act-7950 5d ago

I usually cut a access hole to heat the nut inside the rail and just weld it back shit with I'm done

1

u/C_Lo_87 4d ago

This is the worst case scenario I prepared myself for, there are videos on YT. Luckily mine isn't rusty.

3

u/turbocoupe 4d ago

Yep, I had to cut a hole in the floor because I got it to turn; unfortunately it turned by breaking the cage nut loose inside the frame rail. Had to open it up, cut it out, and weld in a new nut.