(_8*(l)Homer Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 I have a 98 V70R AWD and I need to change the control arms. These are a 4 bolt type that bolt to the subframe. Any idea how I can reach a wrench or socket on the bolts by the engine? I have a stubby 17mm, but even that doesn't fit. The non AWD control arms are easy as pie, but not these. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cn90 Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 17mm ratcheting wrench. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trigtm Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 You don't need to remove the bolts either, just loosen them enough to get each control arm off and you can get the new ones back on. If you wanted to remove the bolts, you would need to raise the engine up to get at it. I used an angles box wrench. It was a bit tight, but I did it about 3 weeks ago so it's still fresh in my memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(_8*(l)Homer Posted September 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 K, looks like a trip to sears to get offset box wrench. Wish quality box wrenches did not cost $20/whack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamdrives Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 Try Harbor Freight for cheap tools. Especially to start out with, they are cheap and durable. They have a set of racheting swivel head metric for like $17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEJinFBK Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 IMHO, a good quality tool is ALWAYS worth a few extra bucks. It usually saves a TON of time, hassle and money in the long run. 20 bucks is small money in the big picture. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(_8*(l)Homer Posted September 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 +1 for the quality tools. I picked up a set of offset wrenches at HF for $15 just to test and a single craftsman wrench. The HF tool broke before I even started reafing on it, head snapped clean off. I was not expecting it so soon. Craftsman is is, all the way, no probs! The only issue now is getting the pin thing out of the wheel, bolts are loose and can move back and forth, but the clamp is too tight around the pin. Any suggestions on that?edit: by pin i mean ball joint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phunktified Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 just did a passenger side one by removing the two 14 mm bolts to the engine mount right above the subframe there (via wheelwell) and jacking up the engine a bit with a block of wood .. I did have a 17mm ratcheting wrench handy now that you guys mention it but dont think I used it .. may have more luck (or just quicker success) doing that and using a breaker bar for leverage if they are original bolts to break them loose than tapping on a wrench .. that said, ratcheting wrenches always seem to come in handy so still a great purchase.. The only issue now is getting the pin thing out of the wheel, bolts are loose and can move back and forth, but the clamp is too tight around the pin. Any suggestions on that? edit: by pin i mean ball joint. rubber mallett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(_8*(l)Homer Posted September 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 I got the left side done..YAY. but I stripped one of the bolts on the right side, so I guess I need to lift the engine now. Hopefully I can still get at the bolt with a socket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaskMule Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 Try Harbor Freight for cheap tools. Especially to start out with, they are cheap and durable. They have a set of racheting swivel head metric for like $17 Got a link for that? My HF search turned up nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piston Slapper Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 HoboFreight is not a place to buy anything that will go anywhere near you vehicle. Their tools break so easily they're dangerous and they sell fuses that don't blow until a hundred times their rated current flow. Multiple manufacturers have put out service bulletins about such things, including one from GM about low amp fuses from them that were not opening at all and causing cars to burn the entire wiring harness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamdrives Posted September 29, 2012 Report Share Posted September 29, 2012 Got a link for that? My HF search turned up nothing. http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-flex-head-combo-wrench-set-68953.html I have never broken any harbor freight hand tools. If you're like me and you can't afford to make an investment in high quality tools but need the right equipment to get any number of jobs done I would recommend them. Their quality is obviously not up to par with more reputable brands and all their stuff is made in China. Without access to cheap tools I don't think I would have half of the experience or knowledge about fixing Volvos that I do, which is what counts to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(_8*(l)Homer Posted September 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2012 I agree. I think the offset wrench set I bought would satisfy most people. I pulled on one of the wrenches pretty modestly and the head broke clean off. I am used to being able to use a jack to apply far far more force that I can ever do by hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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