johnsora2425

My front control arms were a pain. The ball joint bolt snapped and then unsuccessfully removed the bolt and then failed to properly drill it out. The big rear bolt on the control arm was seized in the bearing. The nut came off, but I could not get it out of the bearing. Ended up having cut that big-ass hardened bolt. Then had to get new knuckles (speed sensor bolt also snapped) and that rear bolt. Just pulled out the old arm and knuckle in one piece. After spending a whole weekend on one side I threw the parts for the other side in the truck and dropped it off at my mechanic to deal with the other side. They ended up having to do the same. But with new struts, control arms and sway bar bushings (front and rear), and end links it drives like a new car. I also recommend changing the 16mm OEM rear sway bar for the 20mm OEM STI sway bar (~$85). A big improvement for cheap!!

I have a 210k 3.6R that needs the rear hubs done. I am on the fence about hub buster/bearing buddy. I have seen them work quick, not work at all, or separate the hub from the hearing. I am most concerned about the hub and bearing separating because then I am dead in the water and then have to replace the knuckle or take off the knuckle and find a shop to press it out. Then I'm out the cost of the buster and the press labor and my car is on jack stands until I fix it. And of course there is not usually a shop open on the weekend when I am doing the work. I have not found aftermarket rear knuckles (several options for fronts) and the OEMs are pushing $400. I am thinking about trying the method of putting in extra long hub bolts and hammering on those with a sledge or air hammer to push out the bearing. Perhaps this combined with heat and PB blaster. This is the method that Jimmy's Auto Clinic on YouTube in rusty Canada seems to use with success. May not be as quick as the hub buster, but there is no risk of separating the hub from the bearing. Anyone try this with success? I bought the car used at 200k. Front hubs were done, but when I did the control arms I ended up with snapped bolts on the ball joint and speed sensor. After unsuccessfully drilling out, I ended up with new knuckles. I REALLY want to avoid this for the rears.