Warning - Broken control arm bolt!

[CTScott]

^Exactly. I suspect that everyone who lives where salt is used on the roads is in exactly the same situation. Replacing them yearly truly makes sense.

After spending many hours under there I also now understand where the seam sealant needs to be applied to reduce the water entry and will post a DIY on that as well. Seam sealing will not completely eliminate the issue, but it will definitely help, as there is a pocket above the subframe that can collect water and then drip it into the bolt's sleeve.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by CTScott

there is a pocket above the subframe that can collect water and then drip it into the bolt's sleeve.

A-ha...I imagine this might be a contributing factor as to why I had rust (given my very low exposure to snow/ice/road salt and large exposure to a lot of rain per storm).

[Lars]

Originally Posted by CTScott

After spending many hours under there I also now understand where the seam sealant needs to be applied to reduce the water entry and will post a DIY on that as well.

Please do... you guys are scaring me sh*tless...

I have no idea what they put on the roads here in Germany but I sure hope it's not as aggressive as what they put on yours!!