Messages

1

General Topics / Help Needed: Control Arm Removal

« on: December 14, 2006, 02:48:02 PM »

will a lift help? I have the chance of using one, and wonder if it would make the job easier?

Not really.  The challenge is getting a wrench on that nut, and then being able to exert the required force on that wrench.  Positioning the car doesn't really enter into it.

I've ordered a crowfoot (they are not that easy to find in 22 mm), but will also try removing the small heat shield.  If that heat shield is out of the way, I may be able to get a regular socket wrench on it, with a long extension, and possibly a swivel attachment.

Thank goodness I have time, an available garage, and good weather so the nice car doesn't get snowed on.  Once I started the job, I found that I need rebuilt brake calipers, so the car won't be back on the road for a while.

Nothing like rushing a job to get hurt or break something!  :eek:

2

General Topics / Help Needed: Control Arm Removal

« on: December 11, 2006, 04:21:06 PM »

Yep, that's the nut.  ^^

I'll get a crowsfoot, and give that a shot.

Thanks!

3

General Topics / Help Needed: Control Arm Removal

« on: December 11, 2006, 01:29:31 PM »

The car: 318is w. 200k+ miles.

The problem:  How the heck do I get the passenger side control arm out?  The nut on top of the subframe is below the exhaust headers and just behind the motor mount.  There is is a little heatshield tab on the motor mount that further reduces access.  The fit is so tight that I can't even slip a regular 22mm socket (w/o wrench) onto the nut.  Access from below is reduced because of the exhaust on that side.  :mad:

I can get a stubby wrench onto the nut, but that's about it.  I know from the other side that this nut will take about 150+ ft-lbs of torque to get off.  No way I can do that with the stubby, as there isn't even enough room to hit the end with a hammer.  

How do you do this without jacking up the engine, or dropping the subframe?  :confused: