Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I can unscrew the top spring damper bolt, until the thread of the bolt comes free from the thread in the chassis. Then the bolt just spins freely, but I can't pull it out ! On one side I can pull/push the bolt backwards and forwards by 10mm or so, but it won't come out of the hole no matter how hard I pull/wiggle it ! I have tried a small open-ended spanner on the shank of the bolt and pulled outwards while I turn the bolt head with a spanner (Thanks Richard), but it won't come out any further. I am assuming the thread of the bolt won't start in the outermost bracket ? Don't think it can be seized in the bush in the end of the damper, as it will push some 10mm backwards and forwards. Are there any tricks to getting these bolts out, as I am beginning to despair ! Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAUL MARRIOTT Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I remember having problems with one of mine took a small spanner over the shank a large screw driver and a "bit" of leverage - be carefull though. Once you have the thread started again your away. A bit of wiggling could help. Paul M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prs Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Sounds like you may have a burr on the shank of the bolt somewhere which is stopping it from releasing. Assume you have undone the bottom so that the shock is hanging free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myothercarsa2cv Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Long screwdriver, under bolt head, lever out. Bosh 😬 Have you given the shock a good old wiggle while trying to release the bolt? John _________________________ myothercarsa2cv Bugsy: '82 2cv6 😬 Talloulah '08 1.6K Classic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattie Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Also bear in mind that once the bolt is free of the captive rotating it will cause it to gently tap the inside of the aluminium spacer, especially if the spacer is smooth enough to rotate inside the damper bush. I turn, this impromtu thread grips the bolt! So, make sure you only apply a pull to the bolt, no turning. Also, make sure you can start to feel a little looseness or wobble to the bolt before trying to pull on it. Martyn R300GRR back home!! Reg inspection on 29th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 I have been wiggling all afternoon !!! Going out for some music now. Maybe tomorrow I have to hacksaw through the bolt either side of the bush ? Unless it fixes itself overnight ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackbirdman Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 In the past I've had to use a long screwdriver and a hammer to 'gently' drift the bolt out. 😳 Matt Life begins at 10,000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Durrant Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Try some lubrication which should help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin J Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Is it possible to drift it out with a narrow drift Ian? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 I wish it was that easy. Problem is on widetrack suspension, the thread is captive inside the chassis tube so you can't see it or the end of the bolt. Hacksaw looking increasingly likely. Couple of hours of Jethro Tull tonight might give me inspiration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderlane Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 If you get the bottom damper mount out, get someone to wiggle the damper unit from side to side (opening the flanges a little) as you manipulate the bolt. We did the reverse of this to get it in and the wiggle in the top mounting helped drift it along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 I need something to grip the bolt head securely while I try and pull or shock it outwards like a slide hammer. So little access though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderlane Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Mole grips clamped round the bolt shaft then levered with a large flat bladed screwdriver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 The bolts may be bent.... If you cut it, you may have a part stuck inside the wishbone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 It is the top damper mount. It is clear of the captive thread. Hopefully a cut at the front inside bracket will free it all ? Not in the wishbone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StEVEN Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 Hi Ian i could come up tomorrow afternoon as per my text this morning, if you need an extra pair of hands? have got mole grips if you need some?....just a thought though, is it not worth heating the bolt up then cooling it quickly to remove it... K8 ERM 160 VVC CATERHAM GALLERY here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 19, 2010 Author Share Posted March 19, 2010 Well ... The power of Seventies Rock and BlatChat. Success ! Used the biggest screwdriver and a club hammer and managed to drift the bolts out from behind the heads. Lots of fine metal shavings jamming them in the bushes. Will sleep well tonight. Thanks chaps ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myothercarsa2cv Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 Well done Ian! Why do you need your shocks off anyway? Got some new ones? 🥰 John _________________________ myothercarsa2cv Bugsy: '82 2cv6 😬 Talloulah '08 1.6K Classic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 20, 2010 Author Share Posted March 20, 2010 New higher rated front springs before WightBlat !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grubbster Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 Ah - for Wightblat - suggest you wind them up as high as you can then 😬 Solent Se7ens Web! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 20, 2010 Author Share Posted March 20, 2010 Yes indeedy ! We have a model that we are working towards - here 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin J Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 Well done! Now just add copper slip liberally when reassembling. I often need to use heat & a big hammer to get old pumps etc undone. I'm sure sometimes people think I'm going to come crashing through their airing cupboard floor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted March 20, 2010 Author Share Posted March 20, 2010 I always use loads of the stuff ... on cars, hosereels, etc !! Won't get the new springs from Gary May until Tuesday-ish. There's still hope for the SHB next Sunday ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggerman Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 Remove the bottom bolt from the damper first then from inside the engine bay put the blade of a large screwdriver behind the top bolt head and tap gently with a soft hammer. Did it yesterday ........ and it worked. PS be carefull not to loose the washers when the bolt flies out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK FLASH Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Hi Ian, Hope you got it out by now! Jack Flash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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