Non-Compliance Rear Beam

[Understudy]

We're in the process of taking out the stock rear beam and have the beam completely off of the the four hanging bolts. However, what is the best way to remove the beam from the car since at the current time it is still attached to the lower control arm? The bolt of course is out, but what's the easiest way to manipulate the beam from between the lower control arm?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Remove both inboard bolts that hold the lower control arm to the cradle and swing it out of the way leaving the ball joint attached. For the beam removal as long as they are down you are OK. Remove the toe links from the beam. Remember the two top bolts, holding the beam to the right/left members (14mm) you will need a strong box wrench and some elbow grease.

You can use a light pry bar to lower the beam off the long studs. The ends of the studs are wider to "locate" the beam assembly accurately with the left/right members.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Understudy]

Remove both inboard bolts that hold the lower control arm to the cradle and swing it out of the way leaving the ball joint attached.

I'm slightly confused on what your description is here Larry. Which inboard bolts are you describing? Are these simply the ones that attach the lower control arm to the rear beam, or one of the other attachment points of the lower control arm? I have already removed the bolts that hold the lower control arm to the rear beam, but it hasn't proved easy to swing the control arm out of the way. Obviously it's not the ball joint your talking about since you specifically mention keeping that on. Maybe it's a technique of swinging it out of the way that I'm missing.

I've accomplished everything else that you mentioned previously, this is the last thing I need to be able to remove the beam. Those two 14mm bolts on top did suck!

Thanks for the help Larry!

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hi Stephen,

Was not back on line tonight, just got your message this morning. If you have the two main lagre bolts fron the front and back of the lower control arm removed, just gently pry the arm down. You may have to work it a little.

Regards,
LarryB