Hello all,
I'm trying to replace my front shocks, but I'm having a hard time with it. I've used lots of WD-40 and managed to get the nut off of the passenger side, but the bolt there at the bottom won't come though. What I'm curious is if this screws out or if it just gets banged out?? Either way it seems to be rusted SOLID and doesn't want to budge. It actually broke my socket. I read that using a propane torch can help - any other suggestions?
BP Blaster - spray some on - then cover with a paper towel or such & soak it well - let it set over night - then try.
It may help if you go back & forth a little at a time.
Soak over night with PB Blaster and then hit it with an air hammer. That usually will break the rust bond and push them out.
My '80 still had the original shocks on it last year. I actually had to torch the bottom loop off the shock, burn off the rubber then heat the sleeve cherry red to get the bolt out. Both sides!!
My wagon did too, I believe (original shocks). I had no real issues getting them off...which I attribute to soaking with PB Blaster daily for a week before attempting. I love that stuff...I need a new can, I used most of one when I did my suspension. I had not a single issue getting any of the fasteners loose. I just wish it smelled better. lol :)
Thanks for your responses, I'll have to try some PB Blaster. I'm also wondering do the nuts slide out or do you unscrew them out?
The shock isn't threaded, the bolt slides in & out when it's not rusted solid.
I put some pb blaster on the bolts on Monday I want to say. I'm going to try and get them out tomorrow. If not I'll be getting a propane torch and trying that.
Did you put more on or just once. The P.B. Blaster works but you have to reapply it's not just a one and done.
Propane wasn't enough for mine. I needed my oxy/acetylene torches to remove them.
I have used a product called KROIL for several years. It comes in an orange can. Far superior when it comes to penetrating a rusted bolt/nut. Never had a need to apply heat.
Most prefer the aresol version called AERO-KROIL as it is sprayed like Blaster or WD.
Kroil is real good stuff, but even better is a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF.
Give me a Sawzall with a metal cutting blade and I'd have the bottom of the shock free in no time. I would then replace the (now in pieces) pitted bolt with a stainless one or if I was reusing a stock type bolt, I would reassemble using boat trailer baring grease. It would never seize again.
71HANTO
I make it a habit to coat bolts & threads with never seize on re-assembly to make future work hassle free. Anyplace a bolt goes through a sleeve or a spacer like suspension parts just put a dab of it & work the bolt to coat the inside of the hole & you will never have this issue again.