Lower Control Arm ball joint bolt seized

[CrimsonEclipse]

Trying to replace the lower control arms on a 2011 Yaris.

The bolt that attaches the control arm to the bearing assembly (locked with a cotter pin (which was removed)) spins without loosening. I placed a jack under the ball joint and added pressure but it wasn't enough.

Can I use a pair of vice grips through the ball joint boot and clamp down long enough to break the threads loose

Note, I am using thread oil to possible loosen up the threads

I am replacing the lower control arms because the rubber around the rear bolt is cracking and possibly failing.

[ex-x-fire]

They can be tough, the ball joint stud is usually held tight in the knuckle while you unthread the nut. I'd soak it for a while, if you have a torch then you can heat the nut up.

[CrimsonEclipse]

They can be tough, the ball joint stud is usually held tight in the knuckle while you unthread the nut. I'd soak it for a while, if you have a torch then you can heat the nut up.

Used a vice grip. Destroyed the boot in the process.

Now the forward bolt hits the engine block and can't be removed.

Oh, Toyota, you so crazy.

[JustFPV]

just had to cut mine off with a torch. The bolts for the lower control arms are terrible and I ended up putting new arms on with bolts for a mercedes clk230 (perfect fit/length and same thread). Its a very common issue with these bolts being a bad design from toyota so replace them asap especially with higher mileage