play in front near side suspension arm

[headrub]

Hi all.

I'm new here and hope that you might be able to help. My t27 Avensis had an advisory on its last MOT, which mentioned play in the near side from suspension arm. The movement is coming from the forward most bush, connected to the subframe (just under the drive shaft). I have tried to get the bolt out, but it seems to be twisting the bush and then springing back. I called the dealership service dept for some tips, the guy was really helpful and  said that the captive nut on the subframe 'might' have broken free. Has anyone seen this before? Can this be the only cause? If it has broken free, am I looking at replacing the subframe? 

[mrfixer]

If its twisting the bush then I would think the bolt is seized into the bush..?

[headrub]

Thanks for your reply mrfixer. I have been spraying it with PTFE, but it's still not free yet, I will go and give it another blast. Would heat work? 

[flash22]

ideally you need an impact to move it backwards and forwards, if not it will need a date with a hot wrench aka the oxyacetylene torch

[headrub]

Thanks Flash22. I will let it soak over night and give that a go. I'm slightly paranoid about breaking the captive nut, if its not already broken. 

[flash22]

They are usually tacked with 2 blobs of weld if it does come free there is usually an access hole nearby*

if all else fails cut the bolt either side of the bush

[Konrad C]

I assume you are talking about the bolt 48069D?

http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/eu/2009/avensis/zrt271r-awfepw/2_273560_041_410W/powertrain-chassis/4802_front-axle-arm-steering-knuckle

http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/eu/2009/avensis/zrt271r-awfepw/2_273560_041_410W/body/5102_suspension-crossmember-under-cover

When you look around the mounting point, is there a hollow section, where you can see the bolt going to a nut, captive or otherwise?  

[headrub]

Hi Konrad, yes that’s the bolt! I’ve felt around and looked around, but the mount doesn’t seem to have an access point. I’m waiting for the rain to stop and then I’ll head out and get to work with the impact wrench. Once the bolt is out I will hopefully know where I stand. Thanks for Your help so far. 

[headrub]

The dosing of plus gas over night and the back and forth with the impact wrench finally did the trick! Thank you so much.  The captive nut is in place, but it is moving about in there... however, I’m able to tighten down on to it and get the arm to fit tightly in place. No play anymore! 
 

So, the bolt was seized into the bush sleeve, which prevented me from releasing it, or taking up any slack. It must have needed to be tightened, because on removal and inspection of the arm, all bushes were solid and in good order. After refitting and properly tightening the bolts, the arm play seems to have gone. I’m yet to test drive. Fingers crossed.