lower a arm bolts

[snomo53]

I tried to remove my right lower a arm bolt, and found it to be bent. Top bolt was fine. I tried the left lower a arm bolt and it too appears to be bent. In the 5700 miles I've ridden my Apex, I've tagged a rock or two, ...or three....Anyway, using a punch and a BFH, I could not remove these bolts. Should I go to my sawz-all???. The bolts will turn free for a 1/4 turn, then stick...like they are bowed....Ideas / thoughts anyone?...I am refering to the bolt that goes throught the A arm and the spindle

 

[DoubleXL]

I had the same problem. Sawzall was the only way. I had to cut between the bushings, free the spindle and then press out the bolt. I noticed alot of space between the bolts before I decided to change out all of the front end bushings. Maybe the nut backed out some on mine not sure. 2k miles after bushing change and all is good. Good luck.

 

[niko]

Had the same prob after I had hit a rock and slightly bent the lower bolt.
Had to bash the crap out of it to get it out of the arm.Once out i threw it away and got a new one.

 

[big_red1a]

Mine are both bent as well. Do not recall hitting anything. I think the weight and hitting the bumps can bend these bolts. When you guys replaced the bolts did everthing fit tight again? It looks like mine are bent but it might fit tight once the weigh is off it.

 

[Shootinstick]

Which lower A arm bolts are you guys bending? Bulkhead end or spindle end? I will be taking mine apart this summer to put bushings in and am wandering what to expect.

 

[big_red1a]

spindle can not see bulk head end yet

 

[snomo53]

A arm bolts

Which lower A arm bolts are you guys bending? Bulkhead end or spindle end? I will be taking mine apart this summer to put bushings in and am wandering what to expect.

Spindle end

 

[niko]

bulkhead ones are very strong and would snap the alloy bulkhead before they go.
Spindle ones bent on mine. Once the barkbusters are installed I wont have to worry about it again.

 

[big_red1a]

a-arms

bulkhead ones are very strong and would snap the alloy bulkhead before they go.
Spindle ones bent on mine. Once the barkbusters are installed I wont have to worry about it again.

Barkbuster are tose light weight a-arms with mountain geometry
do the make a trai version?
I was looking at carbon fibre but they are not cheap. I do not think I would ever leave the groomed trail again.