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How to remove trailing arm bolts?
Humbug - 24/8/10 at 12:18 PM

One of my trailing arms broke at the weekend (or at least that's when I noticed it!).

I obviously need to remove it, whether I get it welded up or replaced, and I'm having a real problem with the bolts.

I've got the nuts off OK but I can't get the bolts out - they are stuck tight. I've tried tapping with a hammer and using a spanner on the bolt head but they won't budge. Looks like the bolts are stuck in the tubes through the middle of the bushes.

I've tried soaking them in WD40 but still no luck, so any other ideas? Would heating the bushes help, d'you think?

TIA

Simon

nick205 - 24/8/10 at 12:26 PM

You'll be needing a bigger hammer and more commitment.

Do you have rubber bushes or poly bushes with a crush tube?

ETA...if there's stuck that fast then it may have something to do with the arm failure...(?)

[Edited on 24/8/10 by nick205]

MikeR - 24/8/10 at 12:28 PM

This might explain why it broke - as it couldn't rotate.

Have you tried pressing it out?

As its stuck, you may need new bushes therefore apply some heat.

Plusgas is FAR FAR more effective in my experience at penetrating than WD40. Use some bluetack to make a well for the plus gas to sink into (and to stop it running away).

hammer action from a ratchet / sds drill to shock it free. (be really careful doing this one)

adithorp - 24/8/10 at 12:48 PM

The bolt will be siezed in the tube (whether it's poly bushes or metalastic). Leave it to soak. PlusGas or duck oil are better than WD. Then it's a bigger hammer, then a bigger swing and then heat. Heat can help but you'll need new chassis paint and new bushes when you're done.

"...This might explain why it broke - as it couldn't rotate...."

The crush tube should not be loose to rotate. The clue is in the name.

adrian

Humbug - 24/8/10 at 01:09 PM

OK, thanks for the tips

rusty nuts - 24/8/10 at 06:16 PM

If all else fails you may have to resort to cutting the bolt either side of the bush (inside the mounting bracket)with a hacksaw blade

Humbug - 24/8/10 at 07:22 PM

quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
If all else fails you may have to resort to cutting the bolt either side of the bush (inside the mounting bracket)with a hacksaw blade


Yes, I did think of that as well, though it might be a bit difficult getting access

MikeR - 24/8/10 at 10:08 PM

quote:
Originally posted by adithorp

"...This might explain why it broke - as it couldn't rotate...."

The crush tube should not be loose to rotate. The clue is in the name.

adrian


I was meaning the poly bush may not be able to rotate hence stressing the trailing arm. (it made sense in my head).