control arm bolts ... 2nd guessing .....

Olatheguy · 4 Weeks Ago

here i am 2nd guessing myself again

I chewed up the threads on 2 of the lower control arm bolts when removing them so I ordered 2 new ones. Got them today. Read up the Haynes manual tonight to refresh and I came across where it says Ford recommends replacing ALL FASTENERS in the rear suspension when replacing the upper and lower control arms. So another $60 and another week waiting for them to get here? Is it worth it? What do you all think? BS? Or is there a real reason to replace them all?

Keving · 4 Weeks Ago

I don't know your exact suspension, but new bolts are always a good idea. All metals have a certain amount of stress before it fails due to fatigue. In suspension it could depend on miles, age, and how rough the roads have been that the car has driven. Are the bolts a regular bolt, or a specific shape? Can you get the bolt you need from a hardware store or parts store?

**EagleAutosports** · 4 Weeks Ago

It'd be a good idea to get new hardware, considering the harsh environment they're always exposed to and the stresses they have to endure.

MustangGT83 · 4 Weeks Ago

Ford says that so this way all the hardware is new and if anything breaks your can't go back to them saying your old hardware broke after replacing a part and now you want something for free...you don't need new hardware but I always replace the hardware anyway its always a good idea like eagle said. Smart move on your behalf

spdjnky_42 · 4 Weeks Ago

You can tell when you need new bolts theyll be half rusted or hard to remove the nut, etc.

Olatheguy · 4 Weeks Ago

well I said "f" it ..... I looked at my existing bolts and nuts again -- aside from a little surface rust here and there they actually looked pretty good -- so I soaked them in Berrymans - wire brushed the crud off and them cleaned em again with the brake cleaner. My rear end is installed

and I didnt have to wait until next week and my pocket isn't a $100 lighter sooooo ...... hey .. it appears that Ford "pinches" the nuts ... maybe I'm seeing chit but looking at the nuts there are 2 indentions on either side and the whole looks slightly egged. And when you go to thread on on the bolt it binds when doing so by hand. But wrenching them -- they go no problem. Anyone else notice this?

MustangGT83 · 4 Weeks Ago

yea ford does it as a meaning of locking the nut on the the bolt without using a lock washer or nylon infused nut