Rear suspension U-bolts
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- ndevans
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Rear suspension U-bolts
Help! I'm trying to get the rear suspension u-bolts off to replace the rear springs. The problem is I can't get a spanner to fit the nuts.
9/16" is too small & 5/8" and 11/16" are too big. I've measured the nuts across the flats with a vernier caliper & they seem to be around 78/128" . The nuts are old & rusty but not badly deformed. Any suggestions before I get the evil mole grips out? . Cheers, Neil.
9/16" is too small & 5/8" and 11/16" are too big. I've measured the nuts across the flats with a vernier caliper & they seem to be around 78/128" . The nuts are old & rusty but not badly deformed. Any suggestions before I get the evil mole grips out? . Cheers, Neil.
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either use a cold chisel ( smack the nut on the edge, to split the nut...as I had to do when I replaced my springs last month) or grinder to remove them and replace them with new U bolts and nylon lined nuts.
Last edited by gairlochrosie on Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:05 am, edited 2 times in total.
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I think they're 5/16" Whitworth (BSW).
Alex Holden - http://www.alexholden.net/
If it doesn't work, you're not hitting it with a big enough hammer.
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- ndevans
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Tried that-I wasn't happy that it wasn't going to damage the nut. I also had a socket crack in the past when using it over a slightly smaller nut.But as a 9/16" is too small, and a 5/8" too big, why not try a hex (6 sided) 15mm socket? 9/16" is a little bigger than 14mm, and 5/8" is around 16mm, so 15mm is nicely in the middle
Good tip, and I have done it before. I'm not going to try it in this case as I can't get the car up on ramps now the prop shaft is in bit (another story). Call me a wimp if you like, but I don't fancy lying on my side whacking the nuts with a chisel with the car only on axle stands. I don't have an angle grinder either.either use a cold chisel ( smack the nut on the edge, to split the nut...as I had to do when I replaced my springs last month) or grinder to remove them and replace them with new U bolts and nylon lined nuts.
No, I think it's time the big bad mole grips came out to play. I have new u-bolts and nyloc nuts anyway, so I don't need to keep the old ones, I just don't like breaking things if I can avoid it. I'll also keep my eye open for a set of Whitworth spanners. Cheers, Neil
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Hi Neil,ndevans wrote:Tried that-I wasn't happy that it wasn't going to damage the nut. I also had a socket crack in the past when using it over a slightly smaller nut.But as a 9/16" is too small, and a 5/8" too big, why not try a hex (6 sided) 15mm socket? 9/16" is a little bigger than 14mm, and 5/8" is around 16mm, so 15mm is nicely in the middle
Good tip, and I have done it before. I'm not going to try it in this case as I can't get the car up on ramps now the prop shaft is in bit (another story). Call me a wimp if you like, but I don't fancy lying on my side whacking the nuts with a chisel with the car only on axle stands. I don't have an angle grinder either.either use a cold chisel ( smack the nut on the edge, to split the nut...as I had to do when I replaced my springs last month) or grinder to remove them and replace them with new U bolts and nylon lined nuts.
No, I think it's time the big bad mole grips came out to play. I have new u-bolts and nyloc nuts anyway, so I don't need to keep the old ones, I just don't like breaking things if I can avoid it. I'll also keep my eye open for a set of Whitworth spanners. Cheers, Neil
I had an Axle stand on the rear spring front shoe (supporting the weight of the car) with the trolley jack just under the spring..with another jack under the axle (supporting the weight of the axle)...when I did it to both sides....no problem
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- ndevans
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Agreed, but for the sake of getting the job done before the end of March I will use the mole grips.......might see if I can pick up some Whitworth spanners in Brighton on the 1st.bigginger wrote:ndevans wrote:I hate to say it, but it IS the only answer. Been there, done thatI just don't like breaking things if I can avoid it. I'll also keep my eye open for a set of Whitworth spanners.
Ah, I now pay the extra for an impact socket when I get a fastener I can't remove with what I already have. My 16mm one has been invaluable for very stubborn 5/8" nutsndevans wrote:Tried that-I wasn't happy that it wasn't going to damage the nut. I also had a socket crack in the past when using it over a slightly smaller nut.
Get a cheap Dremel-alike. Another tool that I hardly ever use, but again, is most useful to have just in caseI don't have an angle grinder either.
As for WW spanners - There's usually loads at the car boot sales. I picked up four or five assorted dull with age ones for a quid a couple of years ago, and even tool sellers don't ask a fortune for them (probably because they're difficult to flog to most people).
Precisely what I'd do/have done toondevans wrote:bigginger wrote:Agreed, but for the sake of getting the job done before the end of March I will use the mole grips.......might see if I can pick up some Whitworth spanners in Brighton on the 1st.ndevans wrote: I hate to say it, but it IS the only answer. Been there, done that
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