Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: twistedtree on April 13, 2010, 00:26:51

Title: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: twistedtree on April 13, 2010, 00:26:51
I'm working on the front end of my 280 to replace the king pins and tie rod ends.  In taking apart the first (left) side, I've found that the bolt that attaches the lower knuckle to the control arm is seized.  I've removed the grease fitting and filled it with WD40 in hopes of freeing it up, but so far no go.  From the Haynes illustrations it looks like both the control arm AND the knuckle are threaded?

Is this common, and does anyone have any technique for freeing it up other that soaking?

Thanks
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: Larry & Norma on April 13, 2010, 07:09:21
Hi, WD40 is not that good a release agent. Get proper release fluid it will work much better!
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: ja17 on April 13, 2010, 07:29:46
A good heavy duty air impact gun is the best tool for front end work. A torch is the next best thing for rusty bolts. Sometimes both are needed. If you do not have either, find a longer breaker bar, 1/2" or 3/4" drive with penetrant. Sliding a pipe on the breaker bar will give you a tremendous amount of leverage.
Yes both the a-arm and trunion are threaded.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 14, 2010, 00:57:08
I don't fool around with that stuff. If it won't mover I cut it out with a torch. You won't be saving anything excetp the main castiung with the spindle. Everything else is junk.

Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: twistedtree on April 14, 2010, 01:21:25
I don't fool around with that stuff. If it won't mover I cut it out with a torch. You won't be saving anything excetp the main castiung with the spindle. Everything else is junk.



I think this is the direction I'm going.  I've ordered the lower/outer repair kits, so I'll just cut off the bolt with a sawsall (I don't have a torch).  I've been pounding away at it with a 500 ft-lb impact wrench with no success.  In fact, the wrench blew up while doing it.

If WD40 isn't any good, what's better?  I use PB-Blaster as a lube.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 14, 2010, 07:39:26
Heat is about the best. Rust expands into any play between pars and swells to the point that nothing will move. Heat breaks this bond and helps to get things moving.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: glenn on April 14, 2010, 13:11:53
Hi, Done it a couple times in Boston at 617 947 6399.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: mylittlefintail on April 14, 2010, 19:05:51
I've got pictures from doing outer king pins from my w111. You don't need to remove the springs or the inner king pins. I learned after wresting around for two days with the springs on one side and then a mechanic told me the easy method. But I've replace both inner and out pins now. email mail me at moses.miu@serco.com and I'll forward you the pictures.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: twistedtree on April 14, 2010, 21:48:03
Inner king pin?  Isn't there only one king pin per side?
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: mylittlefintail on April 26, 2010, 20:52:26
Sorry. Yes the I'm thinking of the upper and lower pins that hold the king pin in. I ended up going down the hacksaw route.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: twistedtree on April 26, 2010, 23:20:33
I ended up putting a cutting wheel on my little grinder and that cut through the bolts like butter - well, frozen butter.  It's all apart now.  I just need to get a new, un-pitted set of king pins then I'll be back in business.
Title: Re: Lower, outer control arm bolt siezed
Post by: Iconic on April 27, 2010, 17:02:27

If WD40 isn't any good, what's better?  I use PB-Blaster as a lube.

It sounds like you solved the issue, but for future reference I've had excellent performance out of Deep Creep by Seafoam (usual disclaimer: I have no business association to Seafoam).