So I just read about the r56 aluminum trailing arms stripping because of the bolt. I've never done shocks in an r56 before. Are they're any recommendations or suggestions to prevent this. Or is this a luck of the draw.

 

First and foremost, start the bolt by hand. Make sure it isn't cross threaded. It should thread in very easily.


Make sure you clean the bolt threads and the hole. (chase the threads...)


Id seriously think that every time that gets screwed up is 100% uses error...

 

I stripped one when I put some anti-seize on the threads and then tried to get it to the proper torque value. The lube on the threads reduced the friction enough that it over-torqued the aluminum.

Like stated above, just clean the threads and make sure it doesn't cross thread. Some people recommend starting the lower bolt before putting the upper ones in place, just to make sure it doesn't cross thread.

Mike

 

When removing the bolt, use a good penetrating oil like Kano Kroyl, or PB Blaster. (WD-40 is not a penetrating oil.) Thump the head of the bolt medium-hard with a mallet or a hammer if you can get to it reasonably. Do that dance once or twice per day for a week, and the bolt should come out pretty easily. That's SOP for the really painful bolts on my other cars, and it works far more often than not.

 

One of mine stripped when I pulled the bolt out. The other one stripped when I was torquing it up. No anti-seize on the bolt and my torque wrench is accurate. It sucks but it's just kind of the way it is.

OP if it's the first time the shocks have been off the car the odds are in your favor that everything will go just fine. After you've had them on and off a few times the chances greatly increase that you'll strip out the trailing arm. Fortunately access is good to get a drill in there and install a helicoil.