Lost a nut driver when CV re-banding

[dealmaker]

I lost a nut driver when it got knocked off the handle while doing a passenger-side CV band replacement . I searched for it for a good 30 minutes to no avail. I think it might've ended up inside the lower control arm. I fished around in there for it but had no luck, not even a rattle to confirm it might be in there. Any suggestions? Am I OK to forget about it and hope it falls out somewhere, as much as I'd like to not be losing shrapnel onto the road? If it is in the LCA, should I be concerned about it damaging the ball joint assembly?

 

[Gottagetone]

Are you talking about a socket? The ball joint is not open to the inside of the LCA so you should be fine.

 

[APKhaos]

Tape a length of 1/4" tubing to your shop vac and fish around with that. If its in there, you'll probably get it. Chances are it has fallen to ground and rolled away out of sight, but the vacuum trick is worth the peace of mind. As Gotta says, it's unlikely to do any harm in the LCA voids.

 

[dealmaker]

I thought that was a great idea when I first read your post.

Then I sorted thru my mini attachment vaccum kit and found a long skinny hose attachment and gave it a try.

5 seconds later I pulled the hose out of the void and there it was, sticking right out of the tube!!

Many thanks for this brilliant suggestion!

Tape a length of 1/4" tubing to your shop vac and fish around with that. If its in there, you'll probably get it. Chances are it has fallen to ground and rolled away out of sight, but the vacuum trick is worth the peace of mind. As Gotta says, it's unlikely to do any harm in the LCA voids.

A socket with a shaft/drive fitting at the end, that fits into a screwdriver-type handle or a drill chuck.

Are you talking about a socket? ....

 

[APKhaos]

Gotta love a happy ending, right?
Cheers!