Help!!!! the newbie

[QCXJ8879]

Hey guys I was trying to replace my worn rear springs on my 1989 xj last nite and I cant get the bolt out of the spring/shackle. I broke two 1/2" ratchets. Busted 3 nuckles and finally gave up. I dont have any airtools or a compressor. So any help or advice would be really appriciated.

[CrashSomers]

With out airtools you are limited to what you can do. I would use alot of wd40 let them sit or tourch there asses off you have to replace them anyway.

[61scout80]

mine were a (insert your favorite expletive)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a china made harbor freight breaker bar that is about 2 feet long. with that i slowly applied pressure until it started to turn. once it started to turn i could not increase pressure or it would make a popping noise and not loosen, just spin. i also soaked mine from every angle i can get at with PB blaster everyday for 3 or 4 days prior to trying. it probably took close to 20 minutes each side with how slow i had to go. slow and steady will win the race for this one....

[djrethoret]

i live in queen creek and i have air tools if you want some help

[adventurr]

PB Blaster is your Newest and Bestest Friend!! Had lots of rusty botls on my Waggy and PB Blater and lots of
Patients!

[QCXJ8879]

I have the bolt broke loose and backed out about a 1/2" it just keeps spinning now and I cant pry it out.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee25/joey8879/stuckbolt.jpg

[AZXJ]

Cut the bolt on both sides of the bushing. you can then pound the rusted sleve and reamaing bolt out of the leaf pack.. I have a ton of spare bolts your welcome to a replacement. The problem is debris and rust form in the collar causing the threads to sieze in place..

Dave

[QCXJ8879]

can I come by and pick up a couple bolts I work in mesa

[AZXJ]

Sure thing.. 2104 s emerson mesa az 85210 480--6009174 cell..

[stewie]

With out airtools you are limited to what you can do. I would use alot of wd40 let them sit or tourch there asses off you have to replace them anyway.

WD 40 IS CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is nearly useless at loosening up rusty bolts. the better (nearly best) product is PB Blaster. it works way better and is available at any auto parts store. when my current spray cans are empty i am going to buy a gallon jug of it- my jeep lived 12 years in utah.

mine were a (insert your favorite expletive)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a china made harbor freight breaker bar that is about 2 feet long. with that i slowly applied pressure until it started to turn. once it started to turn i could not increase pressure or it would make a popping noise and not loosen, just spin. i also soaked mine from every angle i can get at with PB blaster everyday for 3 or 4 days prior to trying. it probably took close to 20 minutes each side with how slow i had to go. slow and steady will win the race for this one....

good job soaking it days before. the reason it was popping and then not wanting to budge is that debris (rust, dirt, road grime etc) is caught in the threads making them too tight. the solution is quite simple really. loosen the bolt until it becomes difficult to turn and/or makes that popping or squeeling sound. once it does, STOP! now tighten the bolt back down a couple threads. this loosening and tightening will allow the threads to clean out. the loosening of the bolt disturbs the grime and tightening the bolt back down allows the crud to fall out. be sure to periotically spray with more blaster. it will take 4 times or more as long as just removing a regular bolt, but will save a lot of headaches later like busted/siezed bolts. you may also want to take a wire brush to any exposed threads on the bolt (i know its not always possible).

whipe off the excess pb. this stuff eats a lot of things for dinner besides just rust. it will "de-wet" a bearing, like in your ratchet. i learned that the hard way... twice. it will also break the bond in asphalt (learned that the hard way too). use with care.

PB Blaster is your Newest and Bestest Friend!! Had lots of rusty botls on my Waggy and PB Blater and lots of
Patients!

the key

Cut the bolt on both sides of the bushing. you can then pound the rusted sleve and reamaing bolt out of the leaf pack.. I have a ton of spare bolts your welcome to a replacement. The problem is debris and rust form in the collar causing the threads to sieze in place..

Dave

bingo! i have dealt with similar problems for a while. IF your going to re use a bolt that you had to remove by tightening/loosening then be sure to clean the threads up with a good wire brush.

[jeep pox]

1/4 panel chop and impact wrench makes short work:cheers:

[jeep pox]

like this:Dhttp://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/pntballermaniac/My%20Jeep%20Build%20Pics/DSC01597.jpg

[QCXJ8879]

Is not the shackle bolt, Its the bolt on the front end of the rear spring that goes into the frame but thanks. Still no luck started cutting the bolt out and ran out of cut off wheels for the grinder. This thing is kicking my A$$ So much for a simple spring swap.

[Mdub]

Is not the shackle bolt, Its the bolt on the front end of the rear spring that goes into the frame but thanks. Still no luck started cutting the bolt out and ran out of cut off wheels for the grinder. This thing is kicking my A$$ So much for a simple spring swap.

Use some vice grips and hold onto the bolt head that you can access, then use your grinding wheel or sawzall on the inner part. Don't cut the head off first, I'm sure you already know that, but hey...

p.s. Is that picture giving anyone else acid flashbacks or just me?

[QCXJ8879]

Ok I will give that a go tonight hopefully I can get it done. Thanks for all the advice I really appriciate it.

[AZXJ]

You are welcome to borrow my sawzall tommorow.. I will be using it tonight tho..


Dave

[QCXJ8879]

I bought one at lunch when i bought more cut off wheels for the grinder. THank You though. I am not letting these little bastard bolts beat me. lol

[AZXJ]

Haha! right on!