16 x seized bolts

[LogicSnap]

Hello all, in February last year I had all four of the wheels painted satin black while my car was due for four new tyres and a new front clam.

Cut to now, my car is in for some more work at popular Lotus garage spoken about many times on here has now gone through three wrenches so far trying to get even one of them off. All the usual tricks lube/heat shocking the bolts with a hammer etc but nothing's worked. Current plan is to keep applying lube till friday and try again but after that things are about to get very expensive very quickly unless we can pull the rabit out of the hat, any thoughts guys? Thanks

[MrSimba]

Hmmm.... I've a 4 foot breaker bar that will shift almost anything (think the actual socket will snap before that gives up...)

If that leverage would not crack them off especially after plus gas or similar had been left to soak on I'd be questioning how they were 'put on' in the first place!

So impact socket, lots of leverage, and plus gas would be my choice!

[bordseye]

Odd one that. I cant see the garage going though even one socket before the bolt heads round off so what do they mean by three "wrenches". Do they just mean they have tried three different air guns. In which case they need a long bar.

If the paint is relevant ie if the bolts have stuck to wet paint under the heads, the plus gas is a waste of time and they would be better off trying paint stripper. Anything to soften the paint. Plus gas will work into a gap but if there is no gap .....................

Just had a thought. When I had some wheels stuck on to the boss of the hub, the only way I got them free was to heat up with boiling water. That wont work in your case - it will simply tighten the bolt by expanding the ally more than the bolt. But what about the reverse? What about shrinking the ally the bolts passes through with one of those freezer thingies the plumbers use to freeze the water in a pipe?

[LogicSnap]

thanks for the suggestions guys. In the end a tungsten carbide drill bit and lots of patience has done the trick! I guess a salutary lesson in letting non Lotus professionals work on the car, no matter how trivial the job.

cheers R

[Bebee]

They could try this if the nut head is rounding (see other youtube vids for ideas)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAUUKD9nGks&NR=...