Rusted Hex Bolts

[grslightng02]

I need suggestions. The four square hex bolts that hold the brake discs to the outer wheel are somewhat stuck or rusted into place. I need to separate these two parts to install my new brake discs. I tried to spray the bases of the bolts with WD-40 and some lubricating oil to see if that will help. So far it hasn't. I'm letting them sit overnight and I will try again.

If I'm unsuccessful in separating these two parts, does OGTS or anyone else sell them new?

[oppositelock]

Here's a way that always works for me. Heat up the bolt with a torch or a propane torch with MAPP gas (regular propane may not get it hot enough.) You don't really need to get it hotter than dark cherry red. Then douse it with oil. Not just one or two squirts but keep dousing as it cools. WD40 isn't that good (it burns off too easily) so better to use PB Blaster or motor oil. Hit it with the torch again and douse with oil again. The idea is to wick the oil into the threads. While it's still hot try removing the bolt. If it's still stuck or difficult to remove repeat the process. Be warned, it makes a mess and a lot of smoke so have plenty of ventilation. Trust me, it works. I used to restore old British cars.

[timemachine]

If you don't have an impact tool but have good bolt heads, put a box wrench on them and strike the other end of the wrench progressively harder with a large hammer, being careful to keep the box end seated and work in the right direction. Heat them up first with regular propane for better odds of not shearing them.

Jim

[oldopelguy]

Those bolts aren't supposed to be hex bolts, they are supposed to be tri-square bolts like the head bolts. If they've been replaced with hex head bolts they are likely not as high a grade and you might just have to drill them out.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy Those bolts aren't supposed to be hex bolts, they are supposed to be tri-square bolts like the head bolts. If they've been replaced with hex head bolts they are likely not as high a grade and you might just have to drill them out.

What he said.
How are you holding the hub while you're trying to break the bolts loose? I usually flip the wheel over and set the hub inside. The increased diameter of the wheel and friction from the tire plus my holding it with my knees is generally enough to keep it from turning. Since you can see the threaded part of the bolts on the front of the hubs I would think a good penetrating oil and tapping the side of the hub with a hammer a few times near each bolt would help to loosen them up along with a liberal dose of patience.

Harold

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by oppositelock Be warned, it makes a mess and a lot of smoke so have plenty of ventilation. Trust me, it works. I used to restore old British cars.

I think you found your new signature line...

[SSGDirk]

As a mechanic in the Army I have encountered this on many occassions I will give you a detailed description of how I would fix it:

1. Go to the fridge and get a Beer.
2. Turn on the radio (Music helps to motivate).
3. Spray it down with a good penetrating oil (I prefer CLP).
4. Sit back and have a cigarette while drinking beer.
5. Using an allen wrench of the proper size turn counter clockwise.
6. Go get another beer from the fridge.
7. Respray the bolt with CLP.
8. Pick up a BFH (Big F*cking Hammer) and gentally tap on the allen wrench.
9. Cuss the damn bolt out for five min.
10. Spray down with CLP then get another beer from the fridge.
11. Place a boxed end of a wrench over the allen wrench for added leverage.
12. Go get a bandaid for your nuckles for when the wrench slipped off.
13. Drink another Beer to ease the pain in your nuckles.
14. Spray the bolt down again and have another cigarette.
15. Go get an allen headed socket with a breaker bar and try that.
16. When that fails, get a cheater bar to place over the breaker bar.
17. Get another Beer.
18. Get out the propane and heat up the bolt.
19. Get the fire extinguisher for when the CLP catches fire
20. Now go grab your shop vac and vacume up all the purple stuff from the extinguisher.
21. Pick up the BFH again and beat the cral out of the caliper until it comes off.
22. Now go buy a new caliper and brake line. (We broke the old line when the caliper came flying off)
23. After two trips to the autopart store and one trip to the drunk tank(shouldn't have had all those beers before driving), you finally have a tow truck come and you take it to your local garage and pay a mechanic there to do it for you.

Of course I can't do this method at work, but at my house it's how it normally goes. If you need a hand, bring a twelve pack over and I will show you how it works.

[timemachine]

Nothing more beautiful than watching a true veteran professional mechanic at work. All the years of experience culminate in a symphony of a man at war with a bolt.

Old scars paid the price for future knuckles unbroken. My bad on the earlier post, wasn't paying attention to the task at hand.

Jim

[oppositelock]

Originally Posted by RallyBob I think you found your new signature line...

Hmmm....

[grslightng02]

After speaking with Dennis from OGTS today at our show in Livermore, CA, I think I'll just buy new hubs and square bolts from OGTS. Too much trouble. But thanks.

[SSGDirk]

Where is the fun in that? Remember that he journey can be better than the destination.