Siezed suspension top mount nuts
Discussion
As per title, been attempting to replace my rear springs - didn't get very far! The 14mm outer nuts on the top mount are siezed solid and my silly 12 point sockets are going to round them off if I persist. Have soaked them in WD40 overnight and will be trying 6 point sockets plus some 'Shock and Unlock' style stuff tomorrow, but if this fails - any other way of getting the spring/damper unit out of the car safely?
I've heard of people using a spring compressor within the wheel arch and disassembling the unit in-situ - but I've also heard (without any explanation) that this can be a silly idea...
I've heard of people using a spring compressor within the wheel arch and disassembling the unit in-situ - but I've also heard (without any explanation) that this can be a silly idea...
Can be done. I replaced my springs that way. You do need to be careful that the compressors are well placed and don't slip and wind them evenly. The spring can bend to one side and trap fingers in the coils or suddenly jump back to full length, there's alot of energy stored in the spring and it will do damage to anything in it's way.
6 pointers and WD40 didn't quite do the trick (they really were sh
ged! ), so borrowed some Irwin bolt grips to bite into the sods. Worked a treat on the 14mm top mount nuts - only to find the 17mm lower shock bolt stuck as well, and no removal tool large enough.
Had to compress the spring on the car, disconnect the anti-roll bar links then stand on the hub to get it down far enough for the top of the shock to swing out. Plain sailing from there - though I'll have to be a bit more resourceful come shock replacement time
.
Thanks again
Edit to add, I dont think whoever last tinkered with it was paying much attention! Huge amounts of play in the ARB bolts. All done up to proper torque now, coupled with fresh springs, mean it's now even more of a hoot - any hint of understeer banished
ged! ), so borrowed some Irwin bolt grips to bite into the sods. Worked a treat on the 14mm top mount nuts - only to find the 17mm lower shock bolt stuck as well, and no removal tool large enough.Had to compress the spring on the car, disconnect the anti-roll bar links then stand on the hub to get it down far enough for the top of the shock to swing out. Plain sailing from there - though I'll have to be a bit more resourceful come shock replacement time
. Thanks again
Edit to add, I dont think whoever last tinkered with it was paying much attention! Huge amounts of play in the ARB bolts. All done up to proper torque now, coupled with fresh springs, mean it's now even more of a hoot - any hint of understeer banished
Edited by BonzoGuinness on Thursday 5th November 20:07
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