It's already July thread........
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
Happy birthday Chris!!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
On my focus wagon, I had to change the lower control arm and bolts because the eccentric bolt for the rear arm adjustments seize in the metal of the bushing. You have to grind or sawzall the bolts off. Very common on focus. And that bolt is only available through ford, so look on line for it or the dealer will get you for $35+ for the pair
Called them this morning, and they were still having trouble locating the offending bolt. Stopped in and he showed me the parts that broke, and that they were going to have to use a generic bolt if they couldn't find one, since there are no Kia dealers around. I was going to St. Paul anyway, so I offered to track one down at the Kia dealer and bring it to them. $14 for the bolt, which he claimed was his cost, and he gave me the nut for free since I had to drive to a second dealer to find one in stock.
There's no way I'm gonna let them use a generic bolt as a suspension fastener, and I was happy to do some running to make sure it's fixed right. I'll drop this off to them this evening and the car will be ready tomorrow. Not gonna be a jerk about it, but I suspect I'll be getting a bit of a discount on the work they've done. They've been quite classy to deal with over all the times I've been there.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I've done the same in the past, but in hindsight it wasn't the right decision. The particular part is an eccentric bolt used to adjust the alignment of the left-rear wheel, and I imagine they'd have a tough time getting it to align correctly with a generic. I'd always question the integrity of it as well, just like I did before. $14 and a bit of running around was worth it to me for the peace of mind if nothing else.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,296
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
That is a pretty specific type of bolt for sure but don't think the factory is using anything special for most of there bolts. Anything from a standard grade 2 for non-critical parts to a simple grade 8. Same thing you can get at the hardware store.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 23,857
Likes: 9
From: Suppertown, MN
Holy crap this guy is smoking the good stuff! A little high on the price there buddy for that.
https://stcloud.craigslist.org/cto/5702295809.html
https://stcloud.craigslist.org/cto/5702295809.html
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,296
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
Holy crap this guy is smoking the good stuff! A little high on the price there buddy for that.
https://stcloud.craigslist.org/cto/5702295809.html
https://stcloud.craigslist.org/cto/5702295809.html
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 15,449
Likes: 3
From: Hampstead, NC
Maybe he fat fingered an extra 0 on there?
Had a good time wheeling around today. Even with temps at 100-103. Not super humid though...
Had a good time wheeling around today. Even with temps at 100-103. Not super humid though...
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,965
Likes: 1
From: H-town, MN
I think I got the lines fixed. I did do what you said Randy.....sorta. I ended up cutting and flaring a new line in place of the old rusty one. I started with the one that went between the rear drums and ended up by the front drivers wheel by the time I finished. Note to self don't wiggle rusty brake lines!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,965
Likes: 1
From: H-town, MN