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Break the enclosure/cage. Once you do that you can put a box wrench over the nut. This is almost identical to the issue I had. I would get a new nut and a lock washer for the re-install.
Break the enclosure/cage. Once you do that you can put a box wrench over the nut. This is almost identical to the issue I had. I would get a new nut and a lock washer for the re-install.
I don't think it's actually a nut under the cage, I believe it's just a threaded plate so I don't think you can put a box wrench on it. I remember replacing a lower control arm on my nieces 2003 Neon and I if I remember correctly there is also a bushing on the control arm side where the bolt runs through. I think the idea of the welded design is so that the bolt is securely attached to that plate without the risk of any movement on the plate side. I do remember that the torque value for that bolt on her car was a 175 ft lbs., the reason why I remember that is because my 3/4 torque wrench only goes to 150 so I needed to borrow one.
I don't think it's actually a nut under the cage, I believe it's just a threaded plate so I don't think you can put a box wrench on it. I remember replacing a lower control arm on my nieces 2003 Neon and I if I remember correctly there is also a bushing on the control arm side where the bolt runs through. I think the idea of the welded design is so that the bolt is securely attached to that plate without the risk of any movement on the plate side. I do remember that the torque value for that bolt on her car was a 175 ft lbs., the reason why I remember that is because my 3/4 torque wrench only goes to 150 so I needed to borrow one.
Then my suggestion would be to replace the plate with a new nut from the hardware store, something you CAN put a box wrench around.
Then my suggestion would be to replace the plate with a new nut from the hardware store, something you CAN put a box wrench around.
Right, except for the fact is that the OP can't unscrew the bolt from the plate. He states he cant get anything to grip the plate, that's why I suggested welding the plate back into the floor pan.
If I'm following correctly now, which I think I am, yeah, I'd cut that cage off with a dremel.
I understand it's a round "nut", so I'd tack weld it on while getting out the bolt if possible. Then replace with a regular nut on assembly.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the use of an impact gun. The way they work is not to put tremendous force on the fastener, but to "bang" it loose..... bolt, nut, flange or in this case if you don't have a welder, Vise grips. I'd bet if it was removed with an impact gun in the first place that flange would have never broke free. Now that it has, cut that cage off and hold the flange in place with whatever you can (weld, vise grips, drill a hole and screw it down etc) and beg borrow or steal an impact gun, air or electric. The difference in cases like this is huge compared to the steady force of a wrench. Holding the flange with some needlenose visegrips will never work with a wrench, but it might with an impact gun.
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