pinch bolt problems

[toxic_waste]

I have a set of coilovers for my '03 focus st, but the issue i have is trying to remove the pinch bolt at the bottom of the strut/hub carrier, its been sprayed with wd40 for about a week now but still refuses to move.

So i was wondering if you guys had any helpful hints/tips to remove the offending bolt without me either rounding the head off or the bolt shearing off, all the other nuts & bolts have loosened up with no problems.

[Sponsor]

[drewts86]

2 suggestions:

1. Try Kano Kroil, better pentrating lubricant than WD-40, albeit more expensive.

2. Use a propane torch to heat the bolt. Make sure you let it cool before you try to remove it again. Heating the bolt with cause it to expand, and when it cools and contracts it can sometimes cause the bolt to break free of whatever is binding it.

[toxic_waste]

thanks for the reply, i've never heard of kano kroil before, will see about getting hold of some, i'll try the heat method if all else fails, knowing my luck i'd set fire to the car hahah

[gondorian]

Try heating the nut and not the head of the bolt. The nut is usually welded onto the knuckle so don't try to take it off. Go for the head of the bolt. I broke mine trying to get it off and had to drill out the shaft. Try to avoid this. Since it is a hardened bolt it wasn't very fun. (it took about an hour to drill out the one bolt)

[Indy'sexclusiveZx3]

Save your money and use ATF and acetone 50/50 mix

[xxMichaelAnthony]

I wouldn't put heat near it unless the strut is completely blown. You get too much heat to that strut its going boom. IIRC the nut is not welded to the knuckle. I had better luck loosening the nut when I did my suspension.

[gondorian]

IIRC the nut is not welded to the knuckle

You're right, I'm remembering the ball joint pinch bolt

[xxMichaelAnthony]

Originally Posted by gondorian

You're right, I'm remembering the ball joint pinch bolt

And its the ball joint that is the star bit. haha Post edited!

[gondorian]

Ok well both my ball joint pinch bolt nuts were welded. The passenger side was more stuck (more salty puddles I suppose) The one I broke was a big pain to drill out, and I messed up the knuckle a little doing it but it didn't matter in the end because the shop pressing out my old bearing broke my knuckle and paid for a new (used) one. So the moral of the story is DON'T GIVE UP but BE CAREFUL!