Pinch Bolt Hell (Rant Warning)
07-18-2014, 11:12 AM
#11
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Yes that's where I am.
Most VWs you just try to unscrew it until the head breaks off then using an air hammer and driving it through while tightening the nut on the other end it comes out. On the D3 (2004 at least) this is impossible due to the casting blocking the way. You can't even get a socket on there! Even if I could drive it out, I'd have to cut it off every 2cm, and it's a beeotch to get a sawzall or cutoff wheel up in there. I'd attach pics but the GD new photo attacher doesn't work on my Android (4.0.4) and I don't feel like f'ing with photobucket.
I think the last imbecile to work on this car didn't bother with any anti-seize/ grease, etc on the non-threaded part. The bolts have become one with the spindle.
Thanks, pray for me.
Most VWs you just try to unscrew it until the head breaks off then using an air hammer and driving it through while tightening the nut on the other end it comes out. On the D3 (2004 at least) this is impossible due to the casting blocking the way. You can't even get a socket on there! Even if I could drive it out, I'd have to cut it off every 2cm, and it's a beeotch to get a sawzall or cutoff wheel up in there. I'd attach pics but the GD new photo attacher doesn't work on my Android (4.0.4) and I don't feel like f'ing with photobucket.
I think the last imbecile to work on this car didn't bother with any anti-seize/ grease, etc on the non-threaded part. The bolts have become one with the spindle.
Thanks, pray for me.
Luckily my S8 had none of those issues what so ever (first time for an audi I've owned), little bit of PB blaster and the bolt just came out.
Last edited by halik; 07-18-2014 at 11:14 AM.
07-18-2014, 11:17 AM
#12
AudiWorld Super User
Interesting as a reminder for note to self:
Throw in a couple of preemptive pinch bolts into my next AudiUSAparts order, even here in sunny California. The OE nuts and bolts stuff is usually comparative small change. Maybe with some antiseize on the shaft and head, but not nut area.
07-18-2014, 11:41 AM
#13
AudiWorld Senior Member
Need to remove
What would need to replaced that requires this removal?
07-18-2014, 12:00 PM
#14
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As former (metal) cutting tool expert, some words of wisdom:
1) Cobalt Drill bit
2) Very Low RPM - you should see a ribbon of metal coming out, not smoke...
3) Clamp the bearing carrier so you're drilling vertically so you can...
4) Lube - keep it full of trans fluid, cutting oil, or even motor oil
5) Pilot hole: first drill through it with a 1/8" (or thereabouts) bit. This way you're drilling only into bolt (steel) and not near the Aluminum. If you suddenly go from drilling 3mm a minute to feeling like you're drilling butter, you have gone off into the aluminum. Feel free to cry.
If I bought a newer Audi I'd remove these friggin bolts and coat them with grease (except the threads). You could do it without even taking a tire off.
Now back to the grind (literally).
1) Cobalt Drill bit
2) Very Low RPM - you should see a ribbon of metal coming out, not smoke...
3) Clamp the bearing carrier so you're drilling vertically so you can...
4) Lube - keep it full of trans fluid, cutting oil, or even motor oil
5) Pilot hole: first drill through it with a 1/8" (or thereabouts) bit. This way you're drilling only into bolt (steel) and not near the Aluminum. If you suddenly go from drilling 3mm a minute to feeling like you're drilling butter, you have gone off into the aluminum. Feel free to cry.
If I bought a newer Audi I'd remove these friggin bolts and coat them with grease (except the threads). You could do it without even taking a tire off.
Now back to the grind (literally).
I agree with taking your time, keep it lubed and don't over heat the drill. Nibble away at it.
07-18-2014, 12:05 PM
#15
AudiWorld Super User
07-18-2014, 01:22 PM
#16
AudiWorld Senior Member
07-18-2014, 02:24 PM
#17
AudiWorld Super User
Yes--
Front upper control arms are directly connected at this bolt (together with the rear upper). Front upper arms are the single weakest link/most likely supposed permanent part to need regular replacement (maybe every 60-75K?) in the whole drivetrain. Whether you replace the arms or just the bushing, they still need to come out for the work.
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