Bent rear radius arm

alcmarsh · Post by **alcmarsh** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 5:58 pm

My car has failed its MOT with a bent rear radius arm. According to the awful 'Hayes' removing this is just a case of taking off a few bolts. However it appears that the metal inners of the rubber bushes have become detached from the rubber and fused to the bolts (both the toward front one and the rear one). This makes it impossible to withdraw the read bolt, and access is very limited to apply any real pressure.

Can any recommend
1) a method to get the old radius bar and bolts off
2) where to obtain a new (well a not bent) radius arm (scrappy?)
3) If I can't do it my self how much a garage might charge for this.

Thanks,

Al

gerrsvolvo · Post by **gerrsvolvo** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:48 am

Hi Al
I know that it can be a difficult somthing.
I have developed two alternative methods.
1- cutting off the headof the bolt and cutting the bolt behind the nut.
Then spreading the part that holds the radiusarm a little and taking
away (out ) the arm. This cutting can be done by a metallsaw or Flex
difficult becaus you have littel room to work in.
2- cutting of /trough the round part that holds the rubber part and then
cutting trough the bolt.
I do not know how much a garage will ask for doing this.
Good luck
Gerrsvolvo.

alcmarsh · Post by **alcmarsh** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:56 am

Thanks for the information. Very helpful.
Using your method I think I should be able to cut though the rear bolt with some effort.
At the fixing at the front of the bar I also have a similar problem, but this bolt is welded to the car I think, i.e. it is captive. If I cut this bolt, how to I replace it, or is ther some other way?

Also, where do I get a new bar & bolt from? can volvo supply them?

Thanks

Alasdair

gerrsvolvo · Post by **gerrsvolvo** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 12:53 pm

Hi Al
If the bolt you mention is welded than someone has been doing unprofessional things with it.
The bolts are not welded in the factory.
Good Luck but be aware that it still is a bit off a job that makes that you curs and wishing all sorts of desaeses to the makers.
Gerrsvolvo

lee · Post by **lee** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 4:16 pm

I would grid or cut the bolt off. Or you could always try heating it up very hot then get your socket on it and it will either snap off or come loose. Either way its off.

As for the arm try http://www.salvogroup.co.uk

chris1roll · Post by **chris1roll** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 6:05 pm

If your heating it up, PLEASE be VERY careful.
The rubbers in the bushes are likely to contain fluoroelastomers, which when heated above 400deg can form hydrofluoric acid, which is one of the few acids known that can dissolve glass!!! if you get it on your skin amputation is sometimes the only option

volvofox · Post by **volvofox** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 7:06 pm

yes, don't heat it up so much you will need a new car !

I like how mr gerrs volvo explains the job. I can immangine its indeed a job you will start saying things....

Just be wise what you do. better spent an hour sawing by hand than burn the car, and/or the rubbers. angle grinders, also the little ones are often not safely used in a complex narrow construction.
Hope you keep your patience, and get it done right.

Luck
JPF

gerrsvolvo · Post by **gerrsvolvo** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 6:20 am

Hello Al
I was wrong. I did forget this something in my memory.

The bolts in the region of trhe wheels at the axle are indeed via via welded to the axle.
So here is my solution to cut with a metalsaw trough the captive nut
paralel to the bolt beeing very carefull not to cut in the thread off the bolt.
This I do if the niut is not very quickly comming off easy.
Becaus if you shear off the bolt you are in bigger trouble and in need off another rear axle.
Good luck
Gerrsvolvo

alcmarsh · Post by **alcmarsh** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 9:16 am

Thanks Gerrs and others.

I think I can now see how to get the old one off, even if it is an unpleasant job!

I still need to find a new arm. I have tried Salvogroup, but they say they do not have one, which is odd as I can't imagine it's a very popular part. Maybe they mean they can't be bothered to take it off rather than they don't have one.

Does anyone have any other recommendations?
I guess my current choice is to find one my self in a scrap-yard, or perhaps Volvo sell one?

Thanks.

Alasdair

chris1roll · Post by **chris1roll** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 9:15 pm

you can also get a tool that will split the nut off the bolt without damaging the thread, not sure what the proper name is, we just called it a nut splitter.

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