Rounded top shock mount bolt

[slide531]

Anyone had to deal with a rounded top shock mount bolt? I rounded off the first one I touched when starting to replace my shocks. I think it is above my ability to cut off with an angle grinder or sawzall (tight and wouldn’t want to damage the shock mount) and I’m not sure a bolt extractor will fit in there.

 

[AuSeeker]

Anyone had to deal with a rounded top shock mount bolt? I rounded off the first one I touched when starting to replace my shocks. I think it is above my ability to cut off with an angle grinder or sawzall (tight and wouldn’t want to damage the shock mount) and I’m not sure a bolt extractor will fit in there.

If you aren't using a 6 point socket that's where you went wrong, it still looks like the nut is in good enough condition to come loose IF you use a 6 point socket on it, you may have to tap it on the nut with a hammer because of the damage!

Worst case a good pair of ViseGrips used correctly should get it off.

 

[slide531]

Yeah, i thought my socket was too shallow to fit over the stud so i tried a box end wrench first and it rounded almost immediately. Ironically my socket does fit in there. My vice grips didn't work, going to try hitting it with a torch and using a pipe wrench after I let it soak in PB blaster for a bit.

If that doesn't work though I'm looking for other suggestions. I think it's too tight for an angle grinder or sawzall.

 

[Ezlife45]

Use a sawzall and cut right through the rubber bushing.

 

[Hungryhawk]

I would clean all the rust with wire brushes -get lots of sizes. Then soak the shaft and nut with Kroil liquid wrench and let it soak a day or two. A flex head ratchet box wrench might fit on the nut.

 

[spartacus]

Penetrating oil and channel lock pliers.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Use a 50/50 mix of ATF (does not have to be WS) and acetone and give it repeated soakings, followed by heat from a torch. There are also “Karen” sockets that will grab stripped nuts :

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-metric-bolt-extractor-socket-set-9-piece-59855.html

 

[slide531]

Success. Soaked in pb blaster for 2 days then hit it with a propane torch. Then jammed a nut extractor on it and it came off pretty easily. Thanks for the tips