Front suspension member issue - Stripped bolt

t0p_sh0tta · 07-30-2008

I took it upon myself to replace the lower control arms while changing the struts. Everything was going fine until one of the bolts that holds the control arm to the suspension member decided to stop spinning half way in.

It's definitely stripped, as I'm having a difficult time removing it. Is there anything that I can do short of having to replace the suspension member? I can't tell from the diagrams in the manual, and I didn't have a chance to check it out as it was getting dark, but does the suspension member support the engine?

Thanks,

Lamar

p.s. It's this bolt IIRC.

p.s. If a mod stops in, can I get stipped changed to stripped? Thx

vsamoylov · 07-31-2008

tap it.....

t0p_sh0tta · 07-31-2008

Going to try that today if I can get the bolt out.

Thanks

Edit: How would I go about finding the right size tap?

Sky_99 · 07-31-2008

So, 120psi later, I got it out.

The bolt is FUBAR, but the threads in the subframe look like they can be saved. Anybody disagree?

Thanks again,
Lamar

vsamoylov · 07-31-2008

clean up the threads and new bolts...

shift_twinz · 07-31-2008

yea clean it up and use sum anti-seize on the new bolts that u put in

Big H · 07-31-2008

Hurray for the impact gun!! Tap and Die set time so early christmas for you. Stay away from chinese made tool's try Craftsman make sure it sez made in USA, or Snap-On ,Matco,SK-tools ect. Cross-threading is a mother-ucker, buy the tap/die set "Murphys Law" kicks in and you'll never need to use it !!

RacerX1320 · 08-01-2008

Probably better you changed those bolts anyway they looked pretty rusted. And deff use anti-seize.

t0p_sh0tta · 08-01-2008

Anybody know the specs of this bolt? I'm having a hell of a time finding a compatible die locally (any recommendations?).

Every set that I've come across isn't big enough (Sears, Lowes, HD, parts stores, etc).

edit: Bolt is >M12

infamous95 · 08-07-2008

not sure of the specs of the bolts... but im sure arch auto would have it...
went there a few times to get bolts for the rear calipers, boots, clips, etc. prices are reasonable. if anything... get the specs from the nissan parts dept. n check out the guy on the big org who sells nissan parts at discount.

t0p_sh0tta · 08-08-2008

M14x1.5

FuLLaH · 08-09-2008

Just wondering, did you round the thread out while sending the bolt back in? Something similar happened to me when I changed my motor mounts, I rounded the bolts holding up the crossmember.

The reason that happened is because of the damn impact gun. I learned my lesson, tighten those bolts with a ratchet!

If you can't find the right tap, a local machine shop should be able to rethread it for you for under $10. You could probably get new bolts at the dealership for about $4-5 each but it will take a minimum of 2 days because they usually don't stock stuff like this.