I have to replace my forward and rear upper control arms (on the front wheels). It seemed like it would be a relatively easy job - seems easy to access. But as I was looking at it I noticed the bolts holding the forward arms (the inner ones) are in such a way that if I tried to pull them out they would hit the inside of the wheel well. How am I supposed to do this? Do I need to remove the entire cluster as a whole? I really should buy the shop manual...

 

Did you remove the plastic wheel well liner?

 

the way I got those bolts out was by loosing the strut mount from inside the engine bay. There are 3 bolts holding it in and if you take it out its easier. Good luck on the pinch bolt and other various rusted BS

 

Did you remove the bolts completely or just loosen them?

 

I can't remember exactly but I don't remember taking the strut out so I doubt I took it out. I do remember that when I put the control arm inner bolts back in I put them backwards so I wouldn't have that problem again. something to keep in mind.

 

I was just told I needed to replace my control arm bushings. The wrote up I found indicated the installer preferred to remove the entire suspension set up from the vehicle, similar to J huffman.

Here is the write up... http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Arms-*EDITED*

From my personal experience w/ suspension work... once you get the tire off, it doesn't really matter how many bolts you take out... I would just as soon remove the whole suspension set up so its easier to work with...

 

Awesome thanks for the link - thats exactly what I need to do. I'm going to switch them out this weekend I'll let you know how it goes...

 

Did mine not too long ago. If you have a lift accessible your best bet is to take struts off the car. Open hood there are three bolts on each side take those off and remove the strut with your upper control arms. Replace control arms and make sure you position them same way as your old once were. I think its like 45 degree 50 degree angle or something like that. Tighten the bolts and place struts back in. You will probably need another person to help you as putting those struts can me PITA! Do not tighten strut bolts all the way just enough to hold it in place, will make it easier connecting lower control arm to the strut later. Once everything is in place go ahead and tighten strut bolts... Hope that helps