Stuck/Fused w126 Eccentric Bolt - Need Help!!
 

I'm trying to remove the lower control arm on my 1986 300SDL and the eccentric bolt appears to be fused to the bushing.

I've tried AeroKroil, heat and a hammer and it isn't budging.

I'm thinking I might have to try and fit the Sawzall under there and cut the bolt on either side of the bushing to get it out.

When I applied the heat I used a MAPP torch but didn't heat it long enough for the bolt head on the other side to be hot. It was warm but the bushing started smoking so I stopped.

Is there a better way to get this bolt out?

Answer
 

Options cut/grind the heads off:

* Die grinder/cut off wheel.
* Drill.
* Angle grinder.
* Sawzall.
* Oxygen acetylene torch.
* Plasma cutter.

heat, in this situation, does not help. The Object you want to apply heat to is wrapped in rubber.

Perhaps a few heating / cooling cycles will help. But you should use ice to cool the bolt very rapidly each time. Then, when you are ready to try again, cool the bolt and pound away.

I assume you have already removed all the forces from this joint... like the spring and vehicle weight, correct?

when i did the front end work on my 91 i was able to cut inside the bracket with a sawzall i dont know if that will work on your car. On the 91 124 the way the bracket is made it would not be possible to cut the head in close to the bracket with a sawzall and if you grind the head off the bolt will still be caught in the bracket. Hope it works out OK for you,not a fun job at all. Don

Thanks for the advice guys. :thumbsup2:

I just got the bolt out and pressed the bushing out of the control arm. I ended up using my Sawzall with a "torch" blade and cut through it in about 25 minutes. After that the end caps came off with a chisel and hammer and the bushing pushed through with no problem.

Now to put everything back together and then do the other side.:rolleyes:

'Less thinking, more doing.... that's the power of Chad300tdt'

Yeah! Those Milwaukee "Torch" blades are worth every dollar they cost when you're cutting something like a bolt that size. Especially when you're laying on the ground underneath the vehicle working above yourself!