I have a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, but the control arms and subframe are exactly the same as those of a Mk3 Octavia, so I am posting here out of desperation.

I did a clutch job a month or so back, and I dropped the subframe to get the LSD out. Now, I have a bolt that I can't get out that connects the control arm to the subframe.

The front bolt on the driver's front lower control arm is stuck. It spins with little resistance, and I can see through a tiny hole that the receiving nut is not spinning. This leads me to believe that I must have gummed up some of the threads by reusing the stretch bolt, and that prevents it from backing out, because there might be some good threads left on the tip.

So far, I have tried
- Using vice grips to get a bite on the bolt and spinning it while pulling
-Trying to get a chisel under the head to pull it backwards so I can make the threads catch (cannot get a chisel under the head

Any tips on how to get this out? Notice that the back of the bolt is not accessible; there is only a small hole in the bottom of the sub through which I can see. It has to be pulled from the front, and cannot be cut due to the control arm being in place.

I have attached a photo of the part; the bolt that's stuck is number 6.

It’s difficult to say without seeing it in situ and seeing what access you have.

Any chance of a photo?

On 04/04/2026 at 07:11, wesley412 said:

Trying to get a chisel under the head to pull it backwards so I can make the threads catch (cannot get a chisel under the head

This is what I'd keep doing.

Maybe need to try startingwith a fine screwdriver to open up gap and get the larger screwdriver and then chisel in.

Need to spin and insert chisel at same time.

Sometimes a ring spanner can be used to pull a bit if you pull it off square a bit. Eg pull the free end outwards quite alot. Try pulling and working bolt back and fourth at the same time.

Or, if you can get a welder, weld a link of chain onto the bolt head and pull on that.

Completely random aside - the Jetta GLI looks amazing! I'd take a picture of the car, along with the control arm, please. It looks like someone has taken an Octavia, stuck a GTI front on it, and then fused the rear of an S3 saloon to it. Sorry it's not the interest you wanted - given that Skoda isn't sold over in the US (or SEAT too), we don't get that many visitors from your area.