DodgeCharger.com Forum

Mopar Garage => Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, & Tires => Topic started by: FJ5WING on March 18, 2009, 08:02:15 PM

Title: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: FJ5WING on March 18, 2009, 08:02:15 PM
HELP!

I have a cam bolt that just wont budge. Any suggestions or experiences on getting one out that has a mind of its own? already broke off the nut and some of the threads but still cant get the bolt to budge.  :'(

I plan on cutting the arm off if I cant get any other ideas.  :brickwall:
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: b5blue on March 19, 2009, 07:52:52 AM
Cut from inside the fender well, sounds like the bolt has rusted to the bushing....what a *%#@*^$!!!! Gonna be a pain re-bushing to !GOOD LUCK!
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: The70RT on March 19, 2009, 10:36:09 AM
Quote from: b5blue on March 19, 2009, 07:52:52 AM
Cut from inside the fender well, sounds like the bolt has rusted to the bushing....what a *%#@*^$!!!! Gonna be a pain re-bushing to !GOOD LUCK!

Yep....been their done that  :brickwall:
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: squeakfinder on March 19, 2009, 11:14:45 AM


      A punch a hammer and allot of foul language :shruggy:. You can get the cam bolt and bushings new. Once the control arm is out you can burn the old bushing out with a torch. Press the new bushings in with some allthread and washers.
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: FJ5WING on March 19, 2009, 05:25:27 PM
I went the punch and hammer route for several hours.  :RantExplode:

Are new control arems availible?

I thinking im gonna have to cut that off too?
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: mopar_nut_440_6 on March 19, 2009, 06:01:27 PM
I just ran into the same situation with 3 of the 4 bolts on mine.

Here is what finally worked.

I heated the area around the bolt and bushing with a propane torch for approximately 15 minutes concentrating on the arm. A larger torch would be better but you use what you have. This melted out all of the bushing etc. I then used an air chisel and kept heating and chiselling until they came. It took me about 2-1/2 hours to get them out but was able to save the arms.

My car is undergoing a complete resto so the flames were not a problem but that may be a concern of yours! I also waited until the inner fenders were removed.

Good luck as they suck!
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: 4aThrill on March 19, 2009, 07:17:42 PM
just a thought have you used any penetration spray P B blaster works great on everything :popcrn:
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: b5blue on March 19, 2009, 07:30:14 PM
Totally Auto sells them used or used cleaned, powder coated and re-bushed w new ball joints, I'm sure NOS would be BIG BUCKS!
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: vancamp on March 19, 2009, 09:30:43 PM
use kroil penetrating oil, wait about 30 minutes and hammer and punch it.
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: FJ5WING on March 20, 2009, 05:01:29 PM
OK, the cam bolt and control arm are out!

Now im afraid I hurt the car. once I got them out I noticed where it looks like the cam bolt spun in the brace that holds the control arm to the car.

any ideas? it looks like a new cam bolt will spin as well..........no?

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL419/1016826/21692381/358840691.jpg)

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL419/1016826/21692381/358840691.jpg)
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: maxwellwedge on March 20, 2009, 08:54:16 PM
Quote from: FJ5WING on March 19, 2009, 05:25:27 PM
I went the punch and hammer route for several hours.  :RantExplode:

Are new control arems availible?

I thinking im gonna have to cut that off too?

Frank Badalson has brand new UCA's that are well priced and are a spitting image of NOS - And not painted!  :2thumbs:

He also sells brand new cam adjuster sets that are dead nuts to originals.
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: maxwellwedge on March 20, 2009, 08:56:52 PM
Quote from: FJ5WING on March 20, 2009, 05:01:29 PM
OK, the cam bolt and control arm are out!

Now im afraid I hurt the car. once I got them out I noticed where it looks like the cam bolt spun in the brace that holds the control arm to the car.

any ideas? it looks like a new cam bolt will spin as well..........no?

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL419/1016826/21692381/358840691.jpg)

(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL419/1016826/21692381/358840691.jpg)

You should be alright if you tap them back into shape. Once the alignment is done and the cam adjusters are tightened into position they are not moving.
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: chargerguy111 on May 05, 2009, 09:04:46 PM
Just got my upper control arms back.One went in just fine,the other one seems to be stretched.I measured it is 1/2'' wider than the other one,preventing it from even being close enough to go into place.Anyone see this before?
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: mopar_nut_440_6 on May 05, 2009, 09:34:52 PM
I have never seen this before nor do I know how the arms would have gotten stretched!
Title: Re: upper control arm cam bolt is stuck
Post by: b5blue on May 06, 2009, 08:26:55 AM
It's wider now? You got them back...maybe it happened when they pressed the new bushing in...or during the battle to remove them? I put mine in with the tool set you buy, worked great. you might be able to bend it in a big press...or try getting a threaded rod to run through both ends and pull the ends back together by tightening bolts on the end and going at it with a hammer? They will flex some!  :brickwall: Hang in there!