2013~2016: CX-5 DIY Control Arm Replacement Difficulty?

You're lucky because Texas. I doubt you see much if any snow and salt / mag chloride on the roads as a result? So I think Texas cars probably don't see a lot of the rust issues we get up in snowier areas.

Brakes plus quoted me close to $1100 to do the lower control arms, but that was parts and labor. Looks like I can get the LCA's online for $185 each and then maybe pay them to install them. I bought some LCA's at the dealer for $289 each over the weekend and then realized I overpaid so I will take those back and then order them instead.

I tried to take the old one off, but same problem, that bolt above the ball joint is completely rusted in. The nut came off easy, but the bolt will absolutely not move. Impact wrench (granted I just have a 1/2 inch mid torque Ryobi) did nothing, breaker bar did nothing, WD-40 did nothing to help as far as I can tell, hitting it with a hammer (well as best as I could given limited space), did nothing. So now not sure I want to bother doing the job myself.
I got myself Bernzomatic TS8000KC Kit (the yellow can one) + a hammer and some punches and went to town . Took about 1 hour per bolt per side give or take. Mainly because I was taking my time. I did replace the bolts with new ones (and nuts) as I destroyed the nuts in the process of hammering... and the bolts were rusted in there. There wasn't much left in thread so I didn't bother reusing the hardware.
 
I got myself Bernzomatic TS8000KC Kit (the yellow can one) + a hammer and some punches and went to town . Took about 1 hour per bolt per side give or take. Mainly because I was taking my time. I did replace the bolts with new ones (and nuts) as I destroyed the nuts in the process of hammering... and the bolts were rusted in there. There wasn't much left in thread so I didn't bother reusing the hardware.
Yeah that's a good call. When I order the new ones, going to also get the new bolts with it.
 
PB Blaster is supposed to have some kind of rust loosening stuff in it.
It's only one of many penetrating oils and concoctions for loosening rusted parts and it has it's proponents. However, if you've ever followed members experiences with changing lower control arms that involved torches, big hammers, much difficulty with frustration and probably new curse words invented, the marvelous, reputed PB Blaster may as well remain on the shelf for this job.
 
It's only one of many penetrating oils and concoctions for loosening rusted parts and it has it's proponents. However, if you've ever followed members experiences with changing lower control arms that involved torches, big hammers, much difficulty with frustration and probably new curse words invented, the marvelous, reputed PB Blaster may as well remain on the shelf for this job.
I mix 50/50 ATF and acetone in an oil squirt can. This is the best I have found. I have an 18 year old truck and use it on suspension and other parts that are exposed to the elements. Sometimes I squirt some on 24 hours before tackling the job.
 
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