XA20 RAV4 seized camber adjusters

[biffadog2]

Hi, I am in search of a solution to remove the seized camber adjusters on my 2005 RAV4. The bush on the trailing arm on each side has to be replaced, and to allow this, the camber adjusters have to be removed. In my attempt to carry out this job, I was able to remove the nut and bolt, but it appears that the camber adjuster is seized solid, and will not allow removal, so I cannot remove the arm, to replace the worn bush. My only thoughts were to cut it out, using a recip. saw. Before I set about it in this way, I wondered if anyone here has come up with a better way to remove, what appears to be a common problem on these cars, often discovered when wheel alignment is attempted. The location does not allow great deal of space to swing a hefty drift, or even to use a specific tool designed to remove these 'frozen' adjusters. 

[AndyN01]

Hi Keith,

I haven't had the pleasure of this sort of thing on my RAV but previous history over several decades of working on cars suggests heat might help.

I've had numerous nuts/bolts/fixings etc. that have defied all attempts with copious quantities of penetrating oils/releasing fluids/freeze sprays etc. that have succumbed with the careful application of a propane torch. I'm sure a garage would use oxy-acetylene. But obviously that depends on what else is around that won't take kindly to being near a flame or being seriously heated and that you can get into the right place to apply it accurately.

Good luck with it.

[APS]

With the bolt removed I would have thought that adding leverage with a prybar while delivering some well aimed blows with a hand sledgehammer would get things to shift (clearly a two person effort).  

[flash22]

so the nut and bolt are off, so it's the camber sleeve you need to remove, more than likely rusted solid into the bushing

get rid of the packers (arm attachment), and cut it with a rep saw (you may need to make a stubby blade)

if you don't have access to an air hammer/compressor, try an SDS drill with a rotary stop and a chisel bit