Siezed bolt on A6 suspension arms

[944fan]

I'm trying to replace the shocks an springs on my 2001 A6. The bolt securing the top two suspension arm ball joints is seized into the wheel bearing housing . I understand this is a common problem. Anyone got any ideas on how to free it? The end has started to round over but I don't think it is threaded within the housing so if I can free it I should be able to tap it out.

I tried heating it with a blow torch but I am guessing that just can't get it hot enough. I have also tried penetrating fluid. I don't have access to an acetalyne torch.

I have also tried

[BoraBora]

have you tried an impact driver and the right size ratchet socket ?

[hman]

Yep, big problem to the average diyer, small headache to the main dealer.

Mine just came undone, penetrating oil over a few days can help.

[Tame Technician]

I hate it when they do that.

I've done shocks on a one year old RS4 and that bolt was already siezed.

You can try grinding the hex off the bolt end of the bolt ( so it can pull through the upright with no resistance), then put the nut back on and overtighten the nut on the threaded end (hope that makes sence) it pulls the bolt through a bit, although its in the wrong dirrection, that movement is often enough to mean it then begines to free when you keep hitting it.

When they do that at work, after an hour or so of duck oil and hammer action, thats it get the gas out and order some new top arms.


Edited to make more sence.

Edited by Tame Technician on Sunday 13th June 01:38

[944fan]

Thanks for tips. TT - the bolt obviously isn't going to survive the removal technqiue can I get new ones from the dealer? I've bought OE Bilstein shocks and they didn't come with replacement bolts.

[Tame Technician]

All Audi dealers will stock that bolt and its nut.

GSF or Euro car parts might well do so too.