I went to install my KYB AGX struts and Eibach Pro Kit this weekend, and we got the fronts on easily, but when we got to the rears we couldn't get the bottom bolt out. After an hour of trying, we took it to a shop and they tried using their impact on it too. The bolts are broke loose, but they are rusted to the inside of the bushing, and that is what is keeping us from removing them. So I'm guessing we're going to have to drill them out. I've already ordered a new "Strut Installation Kit" and it should be here sometime next week. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on drilling these out, or an easy way to get to that bolt that we may be missing. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael

 

I've heard of people using a torch but I dunno. I've was fortunate to never had that problem.

 

TORCH THOSE FUCKER'S OUT!!!!!!




Otherwise, you'll be drilling for days! :thumbsdn:


SERIOUSLY!!!!!


Believe me! I've been involved in dropping 4 first gen CLs.


However, I recommend getting new bushings pressed in because when you torch them, the metal sleeve comes out with the bolt, leaving only the rubber bushing. With time, the rubber will eventually disintegrate due to the bolt rubbing against the rubber bushing.


EDIT: You can get new bolts from the dealer or from www.acuraautomotiveparts.org . I've used bolts that I picked up at Home Depot as a short-term alternative.

 

I went to O-Reiley's (SP) and ordered 2 suspension installation kits, and I'm hoping that comes with the bushings and bolts, cause that's what I was wanting, and that's what they said I'd need. They're supposed to be here Tuesday next week, but unfortunately I'll be gone all next week for work, so I have to wait till the weekend to see what I got.

Thanks guys!

Michael

 

Trust me the torch doesn't work! Do a search I had this problem. Buy a grinder and grind both the head of the nut off and the bolt welded on the shock. Anything else you are wasting your time! Also order replacement bushings now because you are going to need them.... Good Luck!!! I've been there

 

What do you mean the torch doesn't work!

We just used one about 5 weeks ago and it worked like a charm (send a PM to 1genCL and swclown--they were there).

It works!


BTW: We did cut the nut that was welded on the strut. All this did was allow us to remove the strut. The bolt remained stuck in the sleeve. 10 minutes with a torch, and it came right out!

 

I guess I'm trying to understand how you did it with the torch. Are you talking a cheap propane torch or a good cutting torch. All I have available to me is the propane torch. If you burn the bushing out, won't the sleeve still be stuck to the bolt, and then you would still have to get the bolt out, but I guess you'd just have to cut it then somehow because the metal sleeve inside the bushing would still be on it. Sorry, I'm not the most mechanically minded person, so I need a little more details on burning it out.

I work with a guy who does SCCA racing, and he wanted me to race today. I went down and checked it out, and it looked like a blast, but since I didn't have the suspension done I didn't do it. I told him next year I'd love to though.

 

We used a cheap propane torch.

You aren't looking to burn the bushing out, but heat it up enough that the bolt/sleeve will come right out with a good whack of a hammer and screwdriver.

This isn't meant to be a permanent fix, however I've been running this way for 2 years. I just never got a new bushing pressed in and my bushing has no metal sleeve.

The BEST method is to have a shop cut out the bolts and press in new bushings BEFORE you do the drop. But since most of us don't so it this way, it may become necessary to get the freaking bolt out anyway possible, to get a new bolt in and get driving.

This was the situation 5 weeks ago. After 10 hours of drilling, cutting, and pounding, the torch got the bolt out in 10 minutes! This at least allows you to get the bolt out, swap the spring and strut, and get a new bolt in.

You can use the torch to burn out the bushing, but pressing in the bushing is damn near impossible. I'd take it to a shop and have them use a machine.

 

I guess since I'm supposed to be getting the bushing and bolt in that "kit" next week, so I shouldn't need to worry about anything besides getting the old out, and getting the new in. Sounds like I may need to get something to press in the new bushings. I'm wondering if those clamps you can get for wood projects would have enough strength to push the bushing into it or not. We used them to bend the downpipe on my header, because the metal fab shop didn't have time to do it, and I couldn't wait. Thanks for everyone's advice and help. Hopefully next weekend I can get them installed and get my car looking normal (instead of the rear higher than the front)

Thanks,

Michael

 

Good luck!