It is okay to omit a strut pinch bolt when reassembling a hub/strut?

[steveharvey2001]

I have just dismantled one of the front struts on my 75 tourer and had the usual issues with the sized pinch bolt.

I decided to follow the advice in this "how to".....

...but I was not able to undo the threaded section either by grabbing what was left of the threaded end of the bolt or by the cutting a slot to fit a large screwdriver into it (see pic).

I have used Plusgas and plenty of heat from a blowtorch but the threaded section will not turn so I cannot follow the how-to.

I am now left with the inability to clamp the strut and I need the car back on the road today without having to purchase a new salvaged hub.

I notice that the new strut is a tight fit into the hub, so am tempted to reassemble and rely on friction and the weight of the car to keep it all together.

Is this safe ?
A have an MOT in 2-3 months, will this be noted and failed ?

[2Diesels]

Definitely not safe & will fail an MOT.
The strut can work it's way out (although not completely on a 75) then will be able to turn independently of the hub carrier

[RPWC]

Don't even think about it. As Colin says this is very dangerous. All you can do is source a replacement hub, or buy New from Rimmers for just over £100.
If you drive the car and have an accident, if the vehicle gets examined and they see that , all hell will come to you.

[roverbarmy]

"It is okay to omit a strut pinch bolt when reassembling a hub/strut?"

Absolutely NOT !

Do not risk your life or those of others.

[steveharvey2001]

Thanks for the replies

Looks like I need to buy this...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262918072653

[rrobson]

Almost as bad as saying shall I leave all my wheel bolts loose?

No pee-taking intended...

Do you have facilities to drill it out? Have you tried an impact screwdriver?

[macafee2]

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID001544

I think this link is the right parts diagram
does anyone have the thread size, thread length and shank length
may be able to source bolts form else where

macafee2

[John3:16]

Originally Posted by steveharvey2001

I have just dismantled one of the front struts on my 75 tourer and had the usual issues with the sized pinch bolt.

...but I was not able to undo the threaded section either by grabbing what was left of the threaded end of the bolt or by the cutting a slot to fit a large screwdriver into it (see pic).

I am now left with the inability to clamp the strut and I need the car back on the road today without having to purchase a new salvaged hub.

I notice that the new strut is a tight fit into the hub, so am tempted to reassemble and rely on friction and the weight of the car to keep it all together.

Is this safe ?
A have an MOT in 2-3 months, will this be noted and failed ?

Just splattered a mouthful of Chinese take-away onto my laptop when I read this thread !!!

Not wishing to sound God Almighty but do people really believe that this is safe to do ???

There are pleanty of breakers yards, eBay, aftermarket parts, etc to ensure that whatever we do to our cars we do safely. May I suggest that before jobs are started a little homework is done first? Ring a few breakers yards and see if there are parts available, or ring a parts place or visit on-line facilities like eBay and plan ahead for the job. I know it's easy to say after a job is started but there's always the next job to consider.

If you're getting into difficulty is it worth hours of hard graft trying to remove stubborn bolts, separate parts, etc when a part can be got for a few £ and just swopped over? ... it's well worth it in the end.

I've a local breakers yard and there's a Polish guy there that I've got to know well and I just have to ring and on his way home he drops the part off for me. And he's always offering advice on how to remove or fit the part.

[neilll]

Must admit not ideal!! but for gods sake how did we win two world wars with the above attitude (must be europhiles frightened of eating a straight banana)!!!! stick to 10 mph and you will be okay for a week or two.
Neil