PDA

View Full Version : Suspension - spinning upper control arm bolts

SuperSix
12-29-2003, 03:40 PM
I just replaced the upper control arm bushing bars on my car - and it seems the previous owner used an impact on them, as the bar retaining bolts are no longer "swedged" into the frame mounting points. I got it all installed, and all is well, BUT.. when I take it to get an alignment, how will the techs loosen the bolts to add/remove shims if the bolts just spin? Is this common? Should I have (or should I) tack-weld the bolts into place?

TIA
Mark S.
six shooter
12-31-2003, 12:46 AM
I just replaced the upper control arm bushing bars on my car - and it seems the previous owner used an impact on them, as the bar retaining bolts are no longer "swedged" into the frame mounting points. I got it all installed, and all is well, BUT.. when I take it to get an alignment, how will the techs loosen the bolts to add/remove shims if the bolts just spin? Is this common? Should I have (or should I) tack-weld the bolts into place?

TIA
Mark S.
I see it alot . A small tack weld on the bolt heads always works for me . Make sure the threads are good and the bolts aren't stretched out due to the use of an impact before you weld. Wayne
SuperSix
12-31-2003, 07:54 AM
I see it alot . A small tack weld on the bolt heads always works for me . Make sure the threads are good and the bolts aren't stretched out due to the use of an impact before you weld. Wayne

The threads are fine - I can't tell if they're stretched w/o taking them out, and if I di that, I mayjust replace then, then tack them in.

Is there any suspension techs here that have seen this issue in the field, at the shop?

Thanks
turbofish38
12-31-2003, 01:15 PM
The threads are fine - I can't tell if they're stretched w/o taking them out, and if I di that, I mayjust replace then, then tack them in.

Is there any suspension techs here that have seen this issue in the field, at the shop?

Thanks
:fragez: Crazy question but have you tried replacing them with new ones. These bolts look like wheels studs and maybe its just the splines on the bolt that are striped off. Maybe there is enough meat left on the frame for them to press into? GM part number is 461854.