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Large bolt in front end

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Old 08-09-2021, 07:10 AM
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The front passenger side engine cradle bolt is hidden by the front splash shield, if it is the bolt circled in red , tighten it by hand! Do not use an impact gun! That might break the cage nut loose.



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Old 08-09-2021, 07:22 AM
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That could be the problem from just turning it by hand. The question is how to fix it.

Thanks.
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Old 08-09-2021, 07:31 AM
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If it’s just worked loose, then retorque the bolt, it should be a 21 mm head, and tighten it with a socket and ratchet, then torque wrench, set at 74 ft lbs. Then switch to a 24” breaker bar and tighten it another 180 degrees.
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Old 08-09-2021, 07:47 AM
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I will have my mechanic look at it. Hopefully tightening is all it will take. If the cage nut is broke loose on the bolt than it will be more work.

I like your statement saying take a kid to a car show. I've done that my daughters in my Impala. Great memories.

Thanks.
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Old 08-09-2021, 08:14 AM
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You won't notice any problems driving; until the motor literally falls out. Very dangerous situation!
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Old 08-14-2021, 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by RJ_RS_SS_350
There is a captive nut up in there, that can break free. This happens on the rear, the bolt gets stuck to the control arm rear bushing, so it can't come out. Continued turning of the bolt breaks the nut free from it's captivity, and then the bolt/nut/bushing assembly spins.

.....

Fighting this very problem right now (passenger rear Arm bolt spinning)... how in the world do you get the bolt out and fix this?
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Old 08-14-2021, 05:56 PM
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https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...says-no-51562/
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Old 08-14-2021, 06:34 PM
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You can see the cage up above the rear bushing of the lca, I be used a pair of vide grips to stop the nut from spinning.



This is the driver’s side

This it the passenger side, this cage has been bent to gain access, that flat plate is the cage nut




This is a new cage nut and cage .
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Old 08-14-2021, 07:40 PM
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Thank you both for the points in the right direction...

Was given this HHR after it sat for three years (after being driven on salted winter roads) due to the standard fuel line leaks.... got it running and now trying to pick through the multiple brake and front end issues... really hard to work on due to the corrosion from 3 years of salt working on it... really appreciate the speed at which you have responded with excellent advice.

Last edited by top_prop; 08-15-2021 at 08:26 AM.
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Old 08-15-2021, 08:04 AM
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Your welcome, I live in Canada, salted roads are normal and corrosion is a nasty thing to deal with. PB Blaster those bolts and don’t use an impact air gun, just work the bolt with a 24 “ breaker bar. After you secure that nut to stop it from spinning.
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