Tips on how to get rusted u-bolts out of trailing arms needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kizer · 12-11-2008, 02:28 PM

I just cut the U-bolt on both sides of the axle removeing the arch. Give the bolt a good drink of PB blaster or your favorite penatrating oil. Try and twist the remaining bolt turning on the nut back and forth some the remove the front bolts from the cross member so you can remove the control arm with bolts in tact.

Flip the control arm over so the top of the bolt is pointing down to the ground. Give it a few wacks try and turn with the nut again and give it a few more wacks and the bolt will push it self through.

MickMc · 12-13-2008, 06:46 PM

Heat up the bolt and pour brake fluid on it. Works everytime.

I've also used candle wax instead of brake fluid.

Mick

pooz911 · 12-14-2008, 02:19 PM

i keep a bottle of Iodine in my toolbox. its cheap from rite aid and works better than penetrating oil.

**scotts62** · 12-14-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickMc

Heat up the bolt and pour brake fluid on it. Works everytime.

I've also used candle wax instead of brake fluid.

Mick

Yep candle works really good especially on broken engine bolts

MT71c-10 · 12-20-2008, 12:37 PM

Thanks for all the tips guys! Finally got it out out on Tuesday. I"m not sure what exactly worked the best, I had it sitting in penatrating oil for a while, tried heating and dumping brake fluid on it, poured vineger on it. I was at the parts store, getting rags and a new 1/2" ratchet (broke it trying to get the u-bolt nuts off) so i bought a new bigger BFH, and saw a pipe wrench there and a light came on! So I clamped my 18" pipe wrench on it, gave it the size 11 and it slowly started to turn!!! Finally progress, so I broke out the new BFH and wala, one stubborn 1/2 of a u-bolt in my hand!

So now my question is. Can a u-bolt feel pain? I think i'm going to get midevil on this thing! Payback is priceless.

12-11-2008, 02:28 PM	#1
kizer Its Deja Vu time again Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Marysville, North of Seattle WA Posts: 815	Re: Tips on how to get rusted u-bolts out of trailing arms needed I just cut the U-bolt on both sides of the axle removeing the arch. Give the bolt a good drink of PB blaster or your favorite penatrating oil. Try and twist the remaining bolt turning on the nut back and forth some the remove the front bolts from the cross member so you can remove the control arm with bolts in tact. Flip the control arm over so the top of the bolt is pointing down to the ground. Give it a few wacks try and turn with the nut again and give it a few more wacks and the bolt will push it self through. __________________ Its not pretty but its mine to figure out. The build / The Photos / Build Diary

12-13-2008, 06:46 PM	#2
MickMc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 359	Re: Tips on how to get rusted u-bolts out of trailing arms needed Heat up the bolt and pour brake fluid on it. Works everytime. I've also used candle wax instead of brake fluid. Mick

12-14-2008, 02:19 PM	#3
pooz911 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Simi Valley Posts: 145	Re: Tips on how to get rusted u-bolts out of trailing arms needed i keep a bottle of Iodine in my toolbox. its cheap from rite aid and works better than penetrating oil. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/pooz911

12-20-2008, 12:37 PM	#5
MT71c-10 Too many toys,not enough money Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bozeman,MT Posts: 237	Re: Tips on how to get rusted u-bolts out of trailing arms needed Thanks for all the tips guys! Finally got it out out on Tuesday. I"m not sure what exactly worked the best, I had it sitting in penatrating oil for a while, tried heating and dumping brake fluid on it, poured vineger on it. I was at the parts store, getting rags and a new 1/2" ratchet (broke it trying to get the u-bolt nuts off) so i bought a new bigger BFH, and saw a pipe wrench there and a light came on! So I clamped my 18" pipe wrench on it, gave it the size 11 and it slowly started to turn!!! Finally progress, so I broke out the new BFH and wala, one stubborn 1/2 of a u-bolt in my hand! So now my question is. Can a u-bolt feel pain? I think i'm going to get midevil on this thing! Payback is priceless.



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