parkpy

iTrader: (1)

Hello all,

I'm trying to replace my lower control arm, but cannot get the camber adjustment bolt out.

After removing the nut and one cam, do you just try and hammer out the adjustment bolt? I tried pounding it out last night with a big hammer, but that did nothing. Should the camber adjustment bolt spin freely after removing the nut on the opposite side?

I've applied some PB blaster and let it sit overnight.

I perused through this thread:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/problem-lower-control-arm-front-camber-adjustment-bolt-126883/

But it seems like one solution is to CUT out the lower control arm?

Thanks,
Paul

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

You don't have to cut the control arm...just the bolt. If you do it carefully you can get it off without wrecking the control arm

You might want to try an impact gun if you have access to a lift. You might be able to get it out with enough rattling and torque

CRO8TIA

I had the same issue, the bolt had frozen inside the metal sleeve in the bushing, a lot of patience, WD40 and a large mallet worked for me.When I re-assembled it, I used anti seize .

bumblebeerx8

iTrader: (7)

mine came out with ease. i used a hammer and i pin smaller than the bolt to drive it through

HaydonGS

iTrader: (1)

THis worked once for me
I've had to cut one out before as well, just take your time with it

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

I had to cut mine out as well.
Lower control arms are pretty cheap at the yards, so if you mangle yours, it is not a big deal.

Just don't mangle the engine cradle/suspension mounting points.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

taking them out why you can and lubing them up good will save you a lot of trouble down the road, word to your mother and all RX-8 owners ..

parkpy

iTrader: (1)

had to cut the control arm out. The camber adjustment bolt was seized so badly it looked like it was welded into the bushing. Control arm had to come out anyways. The bushing housing was cracked. Damn seized bolt and cam ruining everything! Have to wait for Mazda to ship a new set to my dealership on Monday.

GK1707

iTrader: (10)

Anyone know if the camber bolts from the rear lateral link are the same ones in the front lower control arm? I have an extra camber bolt, washer, and nut, I bought brand new from the Stealership because one of the rear ones snapped off during my alignment so I bought 2 just in case. I plan on replacing my front passenger lower control arm and even though I'll be using a lift and air impact tools I know the risk of snapping these bolts is high as my rears were frozen pretty bad in the bushing and the head sheared right off wit a box ended wrench. So in the case I need to cut out the front camber bolt can I replace it with the same replacement as the rear camber bolt? Since I have it already, I hope so, these suckers are expensive from Mazda (stupid eccentrics)

GK1707

iTrader: (10)

Bump^ anyone?

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Nope

GK1707

iTrader: (10)

Thanks Team. Turns out the problem I thought was my control arm/ball joint was actually coil bind from my Stance GR+. Now I have a low mileage R3 control arm and brand new camber bolt/washer and nut, for nothing.

YUL PHL

iTrader: (1)

my alignment is off and the shop told me i need to replace the bushings and bolts as they are locked in place and my alignment is off camber on the right front side.

simpler just to get new arms and bolts rather than just replace the bolts and bushings

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

iirc shady had a hell of a time with replacing bushings

Jmurray0014

So I seem to have the same problem with the bolts being seized so badly im going to need to try and cut both sides off of the control arm. Can you cut just the head of bolt of or will i need to more into the side of the bushing. Also where can i buy the camber bolts at i was ablt to save the washer and the nut. Thanks.