How to Remove Frozen Control Arm Bolts

With all the nuts and bolts found on cars, it will inevitably happen that either rust, corrosion or grime will get in the threads, and eventually, the bolts will freeze and can't be removed. This is more than a little frustrating, but there are some options to remove the bolts, from trying to remove them through traditional methods, to cutting them off completely.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Oxy-acetylene torch
• 1/2-inch ratchet and socket set
• 24-inch, 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• Reciprocating saw with metal blades

Instructions

1. Lift up the front of the vehicle using the jack and secure it on jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is completely secure on the jack stands before you crawl underneath it.

2. Locate the control arm bolt that you want to remove. Try breaking it free using the 24-inch breaker bar and a socket, leaning your weight into the breaker bar to pop the bolt free.

3. Heat the nut on the bolt using the torch until it is bright red. Then place the 24-inch breaker bar on the bolt and try to loosen it again. If you still can't loosen it, allow the nut to cool completely. Then cut off the bolt using the reciprocating saw and metal blades.

Tips & Warnings

• When dealing with a frozen bolt, try every option before just cutting it off. Heat is usually the best option as it causes the nut to expand, breaking corrosion in the process, but this doesn't always work out for the best, and you may not have access to a torch. If all else fails, cut it off.