Rear Shock Absorbers

[Iceworx]

I'm replacing the rear shocks on the van, but having a real nightmare with the top bolt.

I've soaked with with WD40 for 2 days now, and it's still not shifting. I've also just bought a blow torch to heat it up to hopefully free it off.

Any suggestions to make this easier?


Also is there a nut on the back of the top bolt, or is it a captive bracket?


Cheers

Chris

[jamesc76]

cant remember if theres a nut etc on the back been some time since touched mine, but if you have any old brake fluid spray some of that on it it works really well and penetrates well!

[Iceworx]

Thanks James

I've some new stuff in the garage, i'll brush a bit on rather than risk it getting on painted things

[Ian Hulley]

WD40 isn't really a penetrating fluid although it does lubricate things. As James says OR GT85 which is a great penetrating spray (handy to have in the shed along with a trigger spray of Plus Gas).

And yes there is a top nut Cunningly hidden in the crap gathered behind the inboard bracket.

Ian

[Iceworx]

Aha! thanks Mr Hulley. I'll see if I can get enough crap off to find the nut!

Half tempted to leave this until after Dubfreeze in case something buggers up and I can't make it!

Desperately trying to shake my reputation off as a serial non-attender!

[Ian Hulley]

Desperately trying to shake my reputation off as a serial non-attender!

[Iceworx]

I am trying to change I promise!

It was one of my new years resolutions

[Iceworx]

Guys I need a bit of advise please,

Still not futher on with this but I now know why.

The rear shocks, top bolt. The nut is off the back, but the metal collar in the shock appears to be stuck to the bolt, and I cannot withdraw the bolt.

I've tried a few things, but just cannot seperate the collar from the bolt.

Whats the best way to proceed?

Thanks

Chris

[DavidPallister]

Hmm, strange, but my 83 van has captive nuts on the top bolts, and were the only 2 that came out with no fuss on the entire suspension system.

If you are fitting new shocks, could you get in there with a grinder, carefully cut the shock body away from the top mounting eye, then cut up through the bolt inside the bracket, kind of like is done for the outer trailing arm bolt?

Hope this makes sense

Dave

[Ian Hulley]

What's the body work like ? Dare you stick a pry bar on the back edge of the nut which is only on a couple of threads ??

Ian