Upper control arm issue

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Jaybird91

Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2020
Messages
72
Reaction score
11
Location
So cal
Im trying to remove the right passenger UCA and one of the bearings on the bushing has seized on the bolt. I cant remove it . I tried smacking the bolt out at least 100 times already. Its almost out but how am i suppose to loosen the rest of it. I cant get a dremel in there . Should i use a bigger wheel? A torch?
Thanks
 

Maxdestruction04

New Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2021
Messages
18
Reaction score
21
I had the same issue myself, the bolt in the rear was rusted in place. I had to remove my grill, rad, airbox, and a few other things in the way. I got a long punch about 12in long and a 5 lb mini sledge with a short ass handel and beat it out of there. I tried cutiing it and heating it but got no love, it honestly took disassembling the entire front of jeep to be able to get at the bolt and hammer it out. Im a millwright and know every trick out there for getting a stuck bolt out and odds are your not going to be able to cut the bolt without damaging everything and creating a whole new world of problems. Unfortunately you will most likely have to do what I did and basically disassemble the most of the front end of jeep to be able to really get at the bolt and hammer it out.
 

Jaybird91

Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2020
Messages
72
Reaction score
11
Location
So cal
That’s exactly what i been doing. The nut turns but very snugg as i move the UCA up and down and hold it . I have about 1/2 in left before it goes through the first hole of the bolt . Im trying some penetrating oil and let it soak in longer then i will continue how you did it. No luck with the a saw in there. Have a headace now lol thanks
 

Paul Dalby

New Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2019
Messages
12
Reaction score
3
I had the same, and really I think it is one of those jobs where you try something but decide that'll take too long, then try a dozen other things and half a day later you realise that if you had just stuck with the first thing it would have been off already.
If the metal sleeve of the bush has seized onto the bolt, then punching (or pressing - I made a mini press tool) it out is useless and in my case even started to bend the frame.
The answer I think is to cut it out from the outside, using a drill and dremel. Cut the control arms off as close as possible first. It'll get it done long before you've tried every other trick and definitely cause less damage too.
 

Jaybird91

Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2020
Messages
72
Reaction score
11
Location
So cal
Ok i will try the drill as i can get the sleeve and fit a flat head in between the sleeve opening . I torched the rubber bushing off so the control arm is loose. Im still trying to see if the penetrating fluid will go in between. I will let you know how it goes today. Thank you
 

Johnny O

Just hangin' out.
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
2,358
Reaction score
3,164
Location
Bellevue NE
There is an excellent product called Free-All. Get in there and soak things good, then let it sit for a few hours. If that doesn't work, time to get out the Kroil.
 

Jaybird91

Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2020
Messages
72
Reaction score
11
Location
So cal
It worked! I got some of that Free all spray and let it soak in. Then wedged the bushing sleeve and sprayed some more inside and gave it another try and the bolt slid right off. Thanks again for all the advice . After two days of smacking it and cursing . My neighbors probably thought i was crazy!
 

Latest posts

Members online

Top