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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - stubbern bolts

I have a problem getting the bolts out which hold the lower suspension arm (springpan) to the chassis lugs.

Got one out OK but others seem to be rusted solid in place.

Any advice ?

Thanks
Bas

angel grinder is your friend!
Guy Weller

Keep Devil Grindr for backup ;)

A
Anthony Cutler

wondered who would spot that first!
Guy Weller

is there not a more friendly way ?
Bas

I had to resort to the angle grinder for mine two Christmases ago Bas

The swivel pins had only been on the road for eight or nine years

bill sdgpm

Warming the nut with a blowtorch sometimes helps, the nut expands with heat, occasionally just enough to get it moving, also, use the six sided spanners rather than the star (12 sided??) ones as they hold all of the nut rather than just the extreme edges..


John..
j b biggs

The problem is not the nut John what happens is that the metal bushes inside the A frames sieze onto the bolts and will not allow the bolt to be withdrawn and allow the A Frame to be removed. There is enough room to use a cutting disk either side of the A Frame lug to release it although I do mine with an air recipricating saw.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

duck oil works wonders.any penatrating fluid really and lots of it,with cups of tea in between.
roy j

No

I did all that releasing fluid stuff for a couple of days before I got started

The rust inside the bush just grabs for dear life and refuses to give up

The bushes have to go, so cut off the bolt ends and fit new bolts

As I'm using Nylatron bushes with new stainless sleeves and silicone grease I will be interested to see how it works out in the future



bill sdgpm

I had exactly that problem two weeks ago with rear suspension. Fought with it for hours and then bought an angle grinder from B&Q for only £18 plus £1.50 for metal cutting disc. It did the job in only a couple of minutes!
Well worth it
Graham M V

Penetrating fluid and a big hammer.
Dave O'Neill 2

It's not something confined to midgets but happens on all cars fitted with metalastic rubber bushes where the bolt hasn't been lubed prior to assembly. In my experience no amount of penetrating fluid/heat/feck off big hammers ever make a difference!

I generally find I have to burn the rubber bush out with a Butane torch (smells bloody horrible!) thus giving enough movement on the bolt/clearance from the pivot bracket to get in there and attack the bolt with a mini die grinder or air saw.

I've lost count of the number of times I've had to do this.

Prior to re-assembly remember, Coppaslip is your friend!
Deborah Evans

I agree the penetrating fluid is a waste, angle grinder is definatly your best friend, and safty glasses are your best friends sister.

Prop
Prop

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2010 and 29/06/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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