Warning - Broken control arm bolt! - Page 20 - Toyota Yaris Forums

Mongoose7 · 05-12-2014, 11:45 PM

Did my bolts about a week ago. I was very lucky... it's an '07 hatchback that spent all it's life in NY state.... lots of salt, and both of them came out w/o breaking!!!!!

tmontague · 05-19-2014, 01:01 AM

I just did my bolts earlier today. My passenger side was in better shape and looked like Mongooses in the above image. My driver side bolt was very rusted and one more winter and it would have likely snapped. I am lucky to get them out in one piece, and about double the amount of crap came out from each screw hole then in the image above.

I coated the new bolts in a boat load of grease and installed. I will now be checking them after every winter (Southern Ontario - massive amounts of salt applied to roads) and re coating them in grease. It will be interesting to see how they hold up with the grease.

On a side note I also checked my valve clearance today. Not due to any excessive noise but more because my Yaris has 118,000 km on it and I wanted to inspect sludge build up and learn more about working on my car.

All the valves were right in the middle of their clearance ranges and my engine was spotless, absolutely no build up at all. FWIW I change my oil every 8,000km usually put in Canadian Tire Formula1 synthetic (always use synthetic since I got the car at 87,000km) and a general oil filter. I cleaned out the PCV valve as well with throttle body cleaner although it was rattling fine.

One thing I noticed was my number 1 spark plug hole looked like some oil or something had burned inside. The spark plug connector was dirty, the hole had a little dark burned dry oil on it and my spark plug had oil not on the igniter or threads but on the ceramic white part where the metal ring is. I changed the plugs when I got the car and I have never spilled oil on the engine and the other plug holes were all completely dry and clean. any ideas to what could have caused this? I checked my valve cover gasket it still very pliable and in good shape. I changed the spark plug just in case as I haven't noticed any performance or firing issues.

thanks in advance

CB900F2 · 06-23-2014, 07:18 AM

Wondering anyone else had the TSB performed on their yaris and removed to inspect the bolts? And if so, how was the condition... I am planning to inspect mine. Hoping the tsb helped in keeping the corrosive salt away from the bolts on mine ...

kaz777 · 06-23-2014, 03:33 PM

cb900: what is tsb, I thought it was a notice that this was a problem, how would it protect the corrosion from happening? If there is something they can do to protect the bolts from corrosion I want it done!?

yarisugi · 06-23-2014, 04:48 PM

Technical Service Bulletin.

kaz777 · 06-23-2014, 11:50 PM

duplicate reply sorry

kaz777 · 06-24-2014, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarisugi

Technical Service Bulletin.

thanks. I dont diy tho' so its up to toyota to cover what they will but its helpful to read those.

kaz777 · 06-24-2014, 11:07 AM

I accid had a duplicate reply, delayed posts. Sorry. BTW they fixed my car bolts both, even tho one was sheared off, they also fixed the seat adjust thing on drivers side that is a recall or enhancement w/o me even telling them too. I got a loaner car on them (brand new corolla) I was very impressed w/ their service had worse experiences at past dealers of other makes.
The seat works harder now but if its safer ok.

CueBall · 12-04-2014, 11:04 PM

I stumbled across this thread and now I'm thinking I better do this! I got the letter about a year ago and forgot all about it.

I think I'll try to get them out myself. I'm wondering why no one has thought to try and find better bolts.. something that has more resistance to corrosion.. like stainless steel maybe? What do you all think? Does stainless torque well? Will it hold the 118 ft/lbs?
Any input is appreciated.

CTScott · 12-05-2014, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CueBall

I stumbled across this thread and now I'm thinking I better do this! I got the letter about a year ago and forgot all about it.

I think I'll try to get them out myself. I'm wondering why no one has thought to try and find better bolts.. something that has more resistance to corrosion.. like stainless steel maybe? What do you all think? Does stainless torque well? Will it hold the 118 ft/lbs?
Any input is appreciated.

Stainless is too brittle for this application.

dkwilfert · 12-09-2014, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTScott

Stainless is too brittle for this application.

Just curious, what was the source of the information that stainless is too brittle for this application? That seems to imply quite a bit of motion/flex at this joint.

CTScott · 12-09-2014, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkwilfert

Just curious, what was the source of the information that stainless is too brittle for this application? That seems to imply quite a bit of motion/flex at this joint.

The bolt is mounted in a metal tube that is then suspended in dense rubber so that the control arm can move, so there is definitely flex at that joint. The right blend of stainless would be fine, but off the shelf bolts would be more brittle of a stainless blend then would be appropriate.

eseibel67 · 12-08-2014, 03:31 PM

Well the 07 sedan has been through many southern Ontario winters and I'm afraid to try and take the bolts out. My plan is to drill a drainage hole, and using the straw, spray oil on the threads of the bolt. It would have to be done periodically, but it might save the bolt from furthur corrosion. I see this as a better option than trying to remove it and breaking it for certain.

bronsin · 12-09-2014, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eseibel67

Well the 07 sedan has been through many southern Ontario winters and I'm afraid to try and take the bolts out. My plan is to drill a drainage hole, and using the straw, spray oil on the threads of the bolt. It would have to be done periodically, but it might save the bolt from furthur corrosion. I see this as a better option than trying to remove it and breaking it for certain.

Id be afraid if its that far gone it will break all by itself.

nookandcrannycar · 12-09-2014, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronsin

Id be afraid if its that far gone it will break all by itself.

The accident mentioned earlier in this thread (in 2013) was enough to scare me into action.

nookandcrannycar · 12-12-2014, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

The accident mentioned earlier in this thread (in 2013) was enough to scare me into action.

Bolts replaced in 2013

.

CueBall · 12-11-2014, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eseibel67

Well the 07 sedan has been through many southern Ontario winters and I'm afraid to try and take the bolts out. ....... a better option than trying to remove it and breaking it for certain.

I feel the same way. But if that happens I'll carefully drive to the dealership and have them do the warrenty.

I guess stainless is out then? That's too bad.

eseibel67 · 12-12-2014, 07:16 AM

As with most automotive problems, I usually mull it over for a few days before I tear into action.

There's no doubt that the (relatively) permanent solution is to get new bolts. Skip the seam sealer prescribed in the Toyota TSB because you will never get it 100% water tight anyway, and it will just delay evaporation of water that does get in there. Drill 1/4" holes so the water can drain out of that low spot. Paint the freshly cut metal to prevent corrosion. Slather the control arm hole/new bolt head washer with blue marine grade grease such as Bombardier Triple Guade grease. That stuff is so tacky, it's hard to wipe off with an alcohol soaked rag. It will surely fend off a few drops of water for the next 10 years.

I am just outside of the 7 year warrnty cutoff. Hopefully some devine miracle will allow the old bolts to be removed in one piece. I really want to avoid dropping the subframe.

06-23-2014, 11:50 PM	#6
kaz777 Drives: yaris sedan 08 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: usa Posts: 12	duplicate reply sorry Last edited by kaz777; 06-24-2014 at 10:24 PM. Reason: duplicate delayed reply

06-24-2014, 11:07 AM	#8
kaz777 Drives: yaris sedan 08 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: usa Posts: 12	I accid had a duplicate reply, delayed posts. Sorry. BTW they fixed my car bolts both, even tho one was sheared off, they also fixed the seat adjust thing on drivers side that is a recall or enhancement w/o me even telling them too. I got a loaner car on them (brand new corolla) I was very impressed w/ their service had worse experiences at past dealers of other makes. The seat works harder now but if its safer ok. Last edited by kaz777; 06-24-2014 at 10:24 PM. Reason: dup

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05-19-2014, 01:01 AM	#2
tmontague View User's Garage Drives: '08 2zr swapped Vios M/T Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Caledonia Ont. Posts: 2,938	I just did my bolts earlier today. My passenger side was in better shape and looked like Mongooses in the above image. My driver side bolt was very rusted and one more winter and it would have likely snapped. I am lucky to get them out in one piece, and about double the amount of crap came out from each screw hole then in the image above. I coated the new bolts in a boat load of grease and installed. I will now be checking them after every winter (Southern Ontario - massive amounts of salt applied to roads) and re coating them in grease. It will be interesting to see how they hold up with the grease. On a side note I also checked my valve clearance today. Not due to any excessive noise but more because my Yaris has 118,000 km on it and I wanted to inspect sludge build up and learn more about working on my car. All the valves were right in the middle of their clearance ranges and my engine was spotless, absolutely no build up at all. FWIW I change my oil every 8,000km usually put in Canadian Tire Formula1 synthetic (always use synthetic since I got the car at 87,000km) and a general oil filter. I cleaned out the PCV valve as well with throttle body cleaner although it was rattling fine. One thing I noticed was my number 1 spark plug hole looked like some oil or something had burned inside. The spark plug connector was dirty, the hole had a little dark burned dry oil on it and my spark plug had oil not on the igniter or threads but on the ceramic white part where the metal ring is. I changed the plugs when I got the car and I have never spilled oil on the engine and the other plug holes were all completely dry and clean. any ideas to what could have caused this? I checked my valve cover gasket it still very pliable and in good shape. I changed the spark plug just in case as I haven't noticed any performance or firing issues. thanks in advance

06-23-2014, 07:18 AM	#3
CB900F2 Drives: 08 Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 301	Wondering anyone else had the TSB performed on their yaris and removed to inspect the bolts? And if so, how was the condition... I am planning to inspect mine. Hoping the tsb helped in keeping the corrosive salt away from the bolts on mine ...

06-23-2014, 03:33 PM	#4
kaz777 Drives: yaris sedan 08 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: usa Posts: 12	cb900: what is tsb, I thought it was a notice that this was a problem, how would it protect the corrosion from happening? If there is something they can do to protect the bolts from corrosion I want it done!?

06-23-2014, 04:48 PM	#5
yarisugi やりすぎだ～ View User's Garage Drives: Me: Nuts: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: ハワイ Posts: 2,041	Technical Service Bulletin.

12-04-2014, 11:04 PM	#9
CueBall Ruler of the free world Drives: 09 Yaris 2D HB Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Utah Posts: 49	I stumbled across this thread and now I'm thinking I better do this! I got the letter about a year ago and forgot all about it. I think I'll try to get them out myself. I'm wondering why no one has thought to try and find better bolts.. something that has more resistance to corrosion.. like stainless steel maybe? What do you all think? Does stainless torque well? Will it hold the 118 ft/lbs? Any input is appreciated.

12-08-2014, 03:31 PM	#13
eseibel67 Drives: 2007 Yaris Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 22	Well the 07 sedan has been through many southern Ontario winters and I'm afraid to try and take the bolts out. My plan is to drill a drainage hole, and using the straw, spray oil on the threads of the bolt. It would have to be done periodically, but it might save the bolt from furthur corrosion. I see this as a better option than trying to remove it and breaking it for certain.

12-12-2014, 07:16 AM	#18
eseibel67 Drives: 2007 Yaris Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 22	As with most automotive problems, I usually mull it over for a few days before I tear into action. There's no doubt that the (relatively) permanent solution is to get new bolts. Skip the seam sealer prescribed in the Toyota TSB because you will never get it 100% water tight anyway, and it will just delay evaporation of water that does get in there. Drill 1/4" holes so the water can drain out of that low spot. Paint the freshly cut metal to prevent corrosion. Slather the control arm hole/new bolt head washer with blue marine grade grease such as Bombardier Triple Guade grease. That stuff is so tacky, it's hard to wipe off with an alcohol soaked rag. It will surely fend off a few drops of water for the next 10 years. I am just outside of the 7 year warrnty cutoff. Hopefully some devine miracle will allow the old bolts to be removed in one piece. I really want to avoid dropping the subframe.