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Old 2nd February 2020, 18:17   #1
m6dly
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Default Ball Joint Bolt Problems!

Hi all,

I'm after some ideas on how to remove the ball joint bolt for the front arms.

Today I was attempting to start removing my engine.

(See my progress thread here to be brought up to speed)

Unfortunately when removing the bolts that pin the ball joint in place they both (driver and passenger side) rounded off.

So I'm very much stuck, like the bolts.

Are the bolts threaded into the hub carrier?

Should I be able to knock them out (I have tried and damaged the ends of the bolts)

Should I resort to cutting them out?



Thanks in advance!
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Old 2nd February 2020, 19:12   #2
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Deleted as incorrect. Memory failed. Sorry

Last edited by Coups; 3rd February 2020 at 21:34..
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Old 2nd February 2020, 19:16   #3
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take the track rod end off.turn the hub so it protrudes from the confines of the wheelarch giving you more room. heat it then whack it out with a hammer and a punch
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Old 2nd February 2020, 19:27   #4
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Soak in 'Plusgas' or some reputable penetrating oil is probably best - I do this on just about anything for a while before tackling things. Days or a week before is even better if you can!

Some careful heat might be an option. Other side of that is cooling...some freezing lubricating sprays are available like Normfest 'Supercrack' (Eurocarparts do it)
Normfest Super Crack Ultra at ECP

I know folks have had success with rounded bolts using IRWIN extractor tools.

IRWIN CATALOGUE

These at Toolstation go up to 19mm - what size are the bolt / nut in the balljoint?

https://www.toolstation.com/irwin-bo...ver-set/p63045

Whatever happens I think you'll need a new nut and bolt.

Have a good forum search on the subject too.

Good luck.

Jonty
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Old 2nd February 2020, 20:15   #5
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That doesnt look so rounded that a good 6 sided socket couldnt get it out, but if it is then go the Irwin bolt extractor route. You have plenty of metal there for them to bite on, and a bit more refined than cutting or punching. Cant really see how bad is the head on the other end?
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Old 2nd February 2020, 20:27   #6
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If you have not yet tried, then try penetrating oil such as plus gas and lots of it over a couple of days.

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Old 2nd February 2020, 21:43   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Coups View Post
Bad luck there. They are threaded but only at the one side of the hub carrier. The end away from the bolt head that's rounded off.

Should the Hub Carrier be Threaded for these Bolts ?


Pretty sure mine are NOT.



Paul.
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Old 2nd February 2020, 21:53   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheraton View Post
Should the Hub Carrier be Threaded for these Bolts ?


Pretty sure mine are NOT.



Paul.
The Hub carrier is NOT threaded, so a good soaking with Pluss Gas should shift it.
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Old 2nd February 2020, 22:02   #9
m6dly
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Thank you all for the suggestions!

I’ve just ordered a bolt extractor kit (similar to the Irwin kit)!

I’ve been soaking it in a plus gas alternative.

Hopefully when the kit arrived tomorrow I’ll be able to free it off enough to hammer it out!

The bolts are 13mm and I’ve attempted a six sided socket and tried hammering on a 12mm and a 1/2 inch socket to no avail. All attempts rounded it further. So fingers crossed the extractor set will grip enough!

I’ll update when I’ve had another crack at it!


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Old 2nd February 2020, 22:43   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m6dly View Post
Thank you all for the suggestions!

I’ve just ordered a bolt extractor kit (similar to the Irwin kit)!

I’ve been soaking it in a plus gas alternative.

Hopefully when the kit arrived tomorrow I’ll be able to free it off enough to hammer it out!

The bolts are 13mm and I’ve attempted a six sided socket and tried hammering on a 12mm and a 1/2 inch socket to no avail. All attempts rounded it further. So fingers crossed the extractor set will grip enough!

I’ll update when I’ve had another crack at it!



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What happens when you undo the 15mm A/F stiffnut? does the whole shebang turn, or is the bolt seized in the hole?

If the nut can be removed, and the bolt is seized in the hole, then run the nut off toward the end of the thread, then a good clout with a mash hammer should shift the bolt.

In the main, these bolts tend to shear off, and require drifting out, and if you've been attempting to undo the bolt end rather than the nut with it seized in place, then the result is........well I think you know what the result is

Best of luck

Brian
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