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UCA bolt washer won't move. Suggestions? 2018 Tundra.

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by iamsmokey, Jun 2, 2025 at 10:27 AM.

  1. Jun 2, 2025 at 10:27 AM
    #1
    iamsmokey

    iamsmokey [OP] Smokey the Tundra

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    What's up Tundra crew,

    Alright, replaced my upper control arm ball joints this past weekend. Removal, install, etc. went fine. Got it done in a day on Saturday. I'll quickly rant and say Toyota did not make it easy to get those dang UCA-to-frame bolts out/in...

    Anyways, I realized yesterday that I missed one of the washers that sits in-between the frame and the arm on the driver side (f**k me right lol). So yesterday, I tried to pull the arm again and now the washer sitting in-between the arm and nut literally wont slide off. It slid off totally fine the first time but now, it spins with the bolt and prevents me from removing the bolt. This is on the driver-rear side of the arm. My guess is the washer is stuck on a thread?

    I can fit a flat head in-between bushing and washer to pry, that didn't do anything (and pretty sure I am gouging the bushing on the arm). Even if it might help, it's too tight to get a hammer in there.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated. Kept me up at night last night :angrygirl:

    IMG_8923.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2025 at 10:41 AM
  2. Jun 2, 2025 at 10:39 AM
    #2
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    If your suspension is unloaded and the assembly is hanging free you might have the bolt in a bind. If so, place a floor jack under outer part of the control arm and see if that helps.
     
    iamsmokey[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 2, 2025 at 10:43 AM
    #3
    iamsmokey

    iamsmokey [OP] Smokey the Tundra

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    I have a jack under the LCA. The UCA pivots freely, the bolt slides side-to-side I am sure it would slide out should that washer not be there. The washer itself is preventing the bolt from sliding out as it hits the arm.
     
  4. Jun 2, 2025 at 10:47 AM
    #4
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

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    I would go on the other side and try to extract the bolt by prying on the head of it. Pull the threads through enough to where the washer wiggles loose (it'll likely "pop" free since it is bound somehow). You'll have some bushing protection thanks to the washer on the other side.
     
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  5. Jun 2, 2025 at 11:07 AM
    #5
    iamsmokey

    iamsmokey [OP] Smokey the Tundra

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    Oooo, okay will give it a go. I was giving it a good amount of pry on the rear, in-between the bushing and washer it wouldn't move anymore. I didn't use loctite or anything, the threads are in good shape, no corrosion or anything.

    My other thought was vice gripping the washer and getting my power ratchet on the bolt side and spinning it.
     
  6. Jun 2, 2025 at 1:11 PM
    #6
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

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    Probably a dumb question, but have you tried pushing the control arm inward toward the engine too?
     
    iamsmokey[OP] likes this.

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