So I'm changing out the front suspension parts on the X

xRide · #1 07-11-2019, 04:37 PM

Im changing out the front suspension parts on the 4.8is and some of these bolts etc have proven to be a PITA. It seems every bolt os seized frozen in whatever they are into. For example, I had to drill out the lower bolt last year for the alternator. Now im tackling the front suspension and the lower balljoint is frozen tight in the knuckle. I mean its not moving. Its so bad that one of the flange has broken off from me pounding the crap out of it. The Outer Tie Rod isn't moving either. I had to buy the entire Tie Rod assembly. Now to remove the Lower Ball Joint im going to have to remove the entire knuckle off the truck to try pound it out. wow.

Am I the only one having frozen bolts/parts issue on their X?

Also I've noticed that a lot of the metals under the front has rusted. last year my transmission cooler line clamps rusted and started leaking. Upon doing further inspection more lines thats made of metal are rusting.

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Overboost · #2 07-11-2019, 05:13 PM

Location, location, location. Everything north of the Mason Dixon seems to rust from harsh winters and salty roads. I just did my front ball joints and they came right out with the slightest of persuasion from a small ballpeen hammer. Same with all the nuts and bolts underneath, no rust anywhere.

SlickGT1 · #3 07-11-2019, 06:04 PM

Wash it more often. Mine is fine. Nothing takes an abnormal amount of force. I also have an impact though, so maybe, I don't notice.

xRide · #4 07-11-2019, 06:11 PM

I have an impact too. Guess what usually happen?..bolt head breaks off.

what a PITA sometimes. oh and check this, the bolt that holds the front lower control arm was eating away from the inside/center. Im putting a new one in there.

SlickGT1 · #5 07-11-2019, 06:17 PM

WTF. Are you spinning it the right way?

Check your sockets, make sure they are the black impact and are not stretched. Maybe you are not getting a tight fit on the nuts.

Try pre soaking all that shit there with liquid wrench or something similar. I like kroil personally.

Shit is magic.
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xRide · #6 07-11-2019, 06:34 PM

Thats how seized up these bolts are. The lower alternator bolt that broke, when i finally drilled out enough of the bolt to free the alternator from the truck and removed it, a piece was left in the threaded side of the bracket on the alternator and i tried to use that extractor bit on it and the extractor bit broke. Thats how seized these bolts are. Some of them.

Ill try out that penetrating oil because I dont think PB Blaster is working very well lol

crystalworks · #7 07-11-2019, 07:57 PM

Sounds like you need to invest in a torch... Glad I've only ever had to work on California and Texas BMW's. I feel for you northerners.

xbimma · #8 07-11-2019, 08:38 PM

6 point socket for bolts will make your life easier. But ball joints are PITA no doubt if you live northeast of course.

xRide · #9 07-11-2019, 09:19 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLUjKoP62l4

That's what I think I will have to do to remove that Lower ball Joint. But it looks like he pushed out his axle to make room.

EODguy · #10 07-12-2019, 02:12 AM

Wow, I wonder if you can get aircraft anti-sieze for the new bolts.

I have zero rust... Although I have to remove parts, panels, etc. and use a shop-vac since sand is in everything, hell I end up with 1/4" - 1/2" on the engine cover.

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