2 questions!

[bluemalbert]

Ok - so I guess its US then, as it is compressed without the top bearing and spring, and I cant extend it by hand! do you agree?
now to get the seized pinch bolt out and remove the hub from the strut

[T-Cut]

Sounds like you'll need a replacement strut too.
Pinch bolts get regular discussion, so I'd suggest you read some previous threads here: https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=013872...91.j3FHzGXkw7o


TC

[bluemalbert]

Thanks a lot TC. The link you posted is very helpful - i'd already found some of those threads but not all so more info has been gleaned. Yes, the damper/strut is knackered. So now forced to remove the pinchbolt somehow, its had a week of penetrating lube which has maybe done nothing! i think a trip to my mates at the garage before getting a hacksaw out!

PS: Is the collar shown in my piccy supposed to slide off the damper and then release the white gaiter?

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by bluemalbert

Is the collar shown in my piccy supposed to slide off the damper and then release the white gaiter?

Hi Malcolm,

I have done this job recently. The "white gaiter" is the bump stop. Above that is the dished bump stop washer. The "collar" is a mystery. I'm wondering whether it's part of your top mounting plate which may have broken up. In any case you should have a concave washer below your top nut which isn't shown in your photograph.

Has someone been in here before?

To free your hub-to-damper bolt, try applying blowlamp heat and short but forceful pushes to a socket and long bar.

Simon

[bluemalbert]

Hi simon, so, I have managed to free the concave washer above the white concertina 'stop' which proves its not part of the collar. The collar as you said seems to be the inner metal bush from the inside of the mounting. The metal bush/collar is in two halves, a top half (still in situ in the top rubber mount) and a lower half which has broken from the mount as it is seized to the damper shaft. Its really seized on too! Ive tried heat and loads of penetrating fluid but there is so little to grip on! A big engineering vice is the answer poss - which I dont have. Once i get the dish washer free and the 'stop'off then I have the job of shifting the pinch bolt which is rounded - of course!

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by bluemalbert

... then I have the job of shifting the pinch bolt which is rounded - of course!

Of course!
What you need is Irwin's nut & bolt extractors, they will grip a severely damaged hexagon head. There are two sets and each is about £25 to £30. Then all you need is a replacement strut complete with damper, spring and top bearing!

Simon

[vitesse]

Can only agree, brilliant tool - shifted my rounded, stubborn drain plug, think Arctic suggested the kit.
Before the kit had to remove a pinch bolt by welding a large nut over the rounded head, silly under-dimension bolt, but the larger head and heat moved it.

Good luck

[T-Cut]

Malcolm, the strut components are shown in this drawing from the Rimmer catalog. It should help you orient yourself on how it all fits together.





These drawings sometimes display a degree of artistic license over the reality, but you can usually figure it out.
The Rimmer parts list (those they stock anyway), can be found here: https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID001542

though if you have to buy anything, first check out what's available from DMGRS here on the forum. He sells Rimmer/Xpart quality stuff at cheaper prices.
See: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/collections/suspension



TC

[bluemalbert]

Thanks. Ive got all that in my head now and managed to get the stubborn collar off the damper shaft, All parts ordered, just the pinchbolt now.

[SD1too]

The pinchbolt was 15mm. Unfortunately the Irwin sets, being American, are in Imperial sizes and there's no exact match but the 9/16" (14mm) or 5/8" (16mm) from this set will probably work.

Simon