I messed up my install. Need advice please
 

I installed new springs and was installing the strut when i forgot to put the lower strut bracket on first and tightened down the 19mm lower control arm bolt on my stock end link(connecting strut to lower control arm). :shakes head:

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/...rutbracket.jpg

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/...lowerstrut.jpg
(pics borrowed from TypeOne)


The nut was probably close to 120lb torque when it popped and i realized my mistake. Now the nut turns on the bolt but wont come off or tighten any further. It is on fairly tight but just spins. It seems like i went too far up the threads on the bolt but i cant be sure

Im not sure what to do at this point. I could try to cut the nut with a dremel but it is pretty beefy. Ive tried pulling the end link towards the front of the car while unscrewing the nut but no luck. Is my only option to attack the bolt and replace the end link?

Thanks

Try heating the bolt with a torch but don't over due the heat due to metal fatigue and that should give you room to back it out ..good luck

Thanks. I'll try heat before i start cutting. But on a more promising note, Z1 will a single OEM endlink for $28 if i have to replace it.

:happydance:
+1 for you sir! Thanks! I applied heat and used the strut for leverage and worked it out. The threads in the nut failed; i pulled them out like a slinky after i got it off. Im back in business, thanks again

perfect example of a car forum at work!

:iagree:

And Thanks nightwish for helping a member out :tup:

I love this place!

The forum that never sleeps! Glad you got it fixed.

Im just happy your successful

Exactly why I joined this forum! :tup:


Sent from my iPizzle using magic and new fangled science stuff

+1. And you sir have THE best signature. I've been saying this all the time for everything cool and electronical and have even embellished on it with magic and wizardry. Thanks!

Hahaha thanks brother! I was just thinking what this tech would look like to people 100 years ago, and decided to put it as my sig :)


Sent from my iPizzle using magic and new fangled science stuff

For future reference: you don't have to remove that black brace piece in the first place. You can just remove the nut, pull out the swaybar endlink, and slide the bottom shock mount out and put it back while that black bit stays in place (although you may need to work the suspension down/up in the process).