Removing Pinch Bolt?

[A20LEE]

In the next month or so i'm planning to renew my suspension. Everyone i've spoke to says i'm going to have problems with thepinch bolt at the top of the front strut where the top arms are clamped. Whats the best way to tackle them? I've start soaking the area with WD40 and will continue to do so everyday until i've time to do the job. If it still won't play ball any tips? I've heard some use heat, air chisels, G Clamps etc.

[Virdee Autos]

Don't want to state the obvious, but make sure you get 2 new bolts, and copper grease these upon fitting

As for getting the old ones out, they will more than likely break. But all is not lost, as you might be able to punch it out slightly, and then use another nut, to pull it out.

Heat it up aswell before you remove it, does usually help!

The other way you could do it is, by undoing the 3 bolts which are under the rubber grommets. But can't remember if this way you still need to undo that pinch bolt this way.

[gazjen]

Using heat really helped when I did mine and continually working it loose until it frees off a bit you could also try tapping the bolt end with a metal/hyde mallet that helps too

But your doing the right thing soaking it. it can only help

[A20LEE]

did you heat up the bolt or the upright?

[Virdee Autos]

Heated the upright. You could do both I suppose. Just obviously be careful off the rubber boots on the suspension arms.

[okkim]

I have found out that easiest way is to get it out is turning the bolt end with a "bolt machine" so long that it cuts the bolt. Then just turn the nut in and it pulls the bolt away. You have to install some shims under the nut time to time when the bolt comes out, and be careful that you wont brake threads. Use oil...

If you hammer the bolt from the nut side, it will break if you use this method.

[A20LEE]

I have found out that easiest way is to get it out is turning the bolt end with a "bolt machine" so long that it cuts the bolt. Then just turn the nut in and it pulls the bolt away. You have to install some shims under the nut time to time when the bolt comes out, and be careful that you wont brake threads. Use oil...

If you hammer the bolt from the nut side, it will break if you use this method.

so if i'm understanding correctly, cut the bolt head off and use the nut to pull the rest of the bolt out?

[gazjen]

You won't be able to do that as the bolt isn't threaded all the way

I meant tapping it at the head end to try and free it up and also turning it while you do it, sort if rock it back and forth you have just got to break the corrosion between the stud and the upright

The rubber boots don't matter if your renewing it all

[S4]

Plus gas! much better.......

why people use wd I dont know....

plus gas is a pukka penetrating oil.


Darren

[okkim]

so if i'm understanding correctly, cut the bolt head off and use the nut to pull the rest of the bolt out?

Yes, thats what I meant.

You won't be able to do that as the bolt isn't threaded all the way

I know that the bolt isn't threaded all the way, that's why I said that you have to put washers under the nut when the bolt comes out. I have done it many times.

[Virdee Autos]

Yep this is the way I resulted doing mine in!

[okkim]

I found out that someone has made a write up of "my" method! Allthough he's using dremel to help cutting the bolt.

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showt ... p?t=233225