The bolt that holds the lower control arm to the subframe doesn't have clearance to come out. I got the nut off and pulled the bolt as far as it would go but the head of the bolt is hitting the frame, and about to hit the fuel lines before it will have clearance to come out all the way.

I was thinking about just cutting the bolt (its really lose slidding in and out just hitting the frame before it comes out all the way). But once I do that how will I get the new one back in? I feel like who ever put the bolt in should have but the head of the bolt towards the center of the car instead of facing outward.

Any suggestions?

 

Ok so I'm looking at it right now, it looks like it would be possible to remove the 3 sub frame bolts holding the bracket, this way I can extract the bolt at an angle....looks rather difficult.

If anyone has any other ways of doing this input would be great.

By the way, the car is on Jack stands. so I'm laying on the ground doing this.

 

IIRC you need to loosen the subframe bolts or even take them out so you can get room for the bolt removal. Don't worry, the engine won't drop on your head at least I hope not.

 

Like Huskerbob said, you need to remove the rear two subframe mounting bolts and LOOSEN the front two. Put a jack under the rear of the subframe when doing this. Lower the frame down. You may still have to pry it down far enough to get the bolt out but it WILL come out. Do not remove the front subframe bolts (only loosen a few turns) or the the whole works will come down.

 

You have to do what you have suggested!

I had the same problem, and the only way to deal with it is keep cutting the bolt until it's short enough to pull out. then put it back so that the nut is the opposite side of what it was. Then tighten the bolt into it.