stuck suspension bolt
#1
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Easthampton, Ma
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
stuck suspension bolt
I am changing my front struts on my 94 SE. I am having trouble removing the bottom of the two lower bolts that connect the strut to the wheel plate assembly(not too sure what its called but basically what your rotor is attached to). I removed the top ones with some struggle and now i can't get the bottom ones out. The nuts are off, it is just bolts that is stuck in there. I have already tried banging them out but they won't budge. It would be great if you guys could give me a hand, thanx!
#3
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Easthampton, Ma
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
they are hanging. on one of them i got the whole strut assembly to rock back and forth but the bolt won't come out. I have tried everything i can think of....i think....
#4
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Ok, try jacking under that A-arm. I'm betting the bolt is binding against the side of the hole in the bottom of the strut, and you need to relieve the tension on it. I can't think of a reason it might be reverse threaded, but you certainly don't want to shear it off. I take it you've tried some penetrating oil and given it time to soak in? Still a problem on both sides, or just one?
#5
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Easthampton, Ma
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
let it soak with wd40 and yes both bottom bolts on each side. I'll try jacking the a arm when i get back from class.(god i hate 4:40pm classes)
#6
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Montréal, QC
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did my rear ones a few weeks back and had the same trouble. In the end I used a Propane torch (didn't have anything hotter) and heated the knuckle around where the bolt goes through. Since it was -10*C outside at the time, I heated until I couldn't hold the torch steady anymore, or about 5 to 6 minutes.
Next I sprayed some good penetrating oil in every crevice I could, then I put the nut back on leaving some space from being tightened down all the way. Now take an impact socket and hold on the nut with one hand and then hit it repeatedly with a ball pean hammer - it could take some convincing. If it doesn't work the first time...repeat the proceedure. Once you get some movement of the bolt, you might try turning the bolt back and forth with a good power bar, again using penetrating oil liberally.
Don't give up, you'll get it
Cheers,
Next I sprayed some good penetrating oil in every crevice I could, then I put the nut back on leaving some space from being tightened down all the way. Now take an impact socket and hold on the nut with one hand and then hit it repeatedly with a ball pean hammer - it could take some convincing. If it doesn't work the first time...repeat the proceedure. Once you get some movement of the bolt, you might try turning the bolt back and forth with a good power bar, again using penetrating oil liberally.
Don't give up, you'll get it
Cheers,
#9
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Originally Posted by willwren
I don't have my service manuals handy. I'm at work. Don't do anything drastic until someone looks this up.
#10
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Easthampton, Ma
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well i tried raising the a arm...didn't seem that different but i need to get a 1/2" extension then i'll let you know how it goes. but other ideas are welcome...if there are any left :?