quick question on rear shock replacement

david c. · 03-10-2002, 03:32 PM

Hi guys,

As many of you may recall, I'm in the midst of a complete suspension rebuild on my 912E.

My current problem is that I cannot break loose the bottom bolt holding the OE shock absorber into the banana arm.

I've used plenty of time+penetrating oil. I even heated the arm with a little propane. No luck. I've put a piece of pipe on the wrench for leverage, no good.

I'm more than a little worried that I'm going to snap the bolt head off. This is the original shock, so what kind of torque was used to seat it? As far as I can tell, the rear suspension has never been taken apart before. I'm baffled.

I'm sorta stuck here, and any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David

john walker's workshop · 03-10-2002, 03:44 PM

they can be difficult, but it's a big bolt, so it's not going to break. up on a rack would certainly be easier to get a good pull on it, as opposed to being on the ground.

david c. · 03-10-2002, 03:47 PM

thanks John, that was my primary worry. Since it's on jackstands, it's tough to get a good pull on it. But, I've nearly hung from the pipe, and at my 200lbs., I was mystified that it didn't budge.

David

Early_S_Man · 03-10-2002, 03:53 PM

Dave ... 26 years + aluminum + steel + some cadmium plating left = a major corrosion problem with over 1" engagement in the aluminum bore ...

david c. · 03-10-2002, 04:07 PM

Warren, I knew that's what you'd say. Is this just a matter of putting enough pressure on it? I mean I guess I can figure out some way to wrestle it out if I have no worries about that bolt head ripping away.

David

john walker's workshop · 03-10-2002, 04:15 PM

an abrupt snap with the tool works better than an even pull. i've never broken a bolt or stripped the threads, YET.

david c. · 03-10-2002, 04:17 PM

okay, thanks guys!

David

pwd72s · 03-10-2002, 05:51 PM

I remember an earlier post...made by the son of a commercial fisherman. This fisherman swore tabasco sauce loosened frozen/rusted nuts better than anything. Oil of Capsium...have any of us "inland" tried it yet? not me... Whatever. I would think something designed to be a nut loosener, applied on the upper end, then let it soak, wouldn't hurt...

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

After soaking mine with penetrant for several days, I was able to get mine to move by using a floor jack to lift the ratchet. You should be careful it does not slip off but this worked on both sides. Make sure you have a good ratchet and keep your head back for safety measure. Go slowly and gradually apply pressure and it will break free.

david c. · 03-11-2002, 09:21 AM

thanks for the additional tips guys.