Impact Wrench

[Autoban]

I tried to take the old rear shocks of my '86 Carrera. They are the original shocks and have been on the car for 26 years. The lower bolts will not move using just a ratchet. Do you guys use impact wrenches, just soak it in Kroil, use a long pipe extension, or all of the above?

[Kidasters]

Yes.

Personally - I go from weakest to strongest. Weakest being 3/8" standard ratchet. Strongest being large moment arm (1/2" breaker bar and cheater pipe) or impact.

Soak in your favorite penetrating oil (liquid wrench, kroil, atf blend) and have patience.

[Dave Colangelo]

Im a big fan of PB blaster, and lots of it.

In terms of taking off bolts like that, I never use an impact wrench. Typically I only use that for removing wheel lugs only. When it comes to stubborn bolts I have a big ratchet for them. I'd say its about 29 inches or so, it does not have a ratcheting head just a socket mount on it. It gives me a great deal of torque and I have never had an issue getting even the most stubborn bolts off with it. You can pick one up at your local tool supplier no problem.

Regards
Dave

[KCinBR]

I use an electric impact, don't make the job any harder than it needs to be by backing away from power tools.
I have an 120v model and, my favorite an 18vdc dewalt in 1/2" drive. OH almost forgot an 3/8" drive air pneumatic ratchet which works in the tight places.
You are not gonna hurt the shock bolts with an impact. Also like the others said use copious amounts of your favorite penetrant.

[Ronnie's.930]

Like all professional mechanics that I know, I use an air impact rig on any and everything that I am able to!

[Kidasters]

Originally Posted by Dave Colangelo

I have a big ratchet for them. I'd say its about 29 inches or so, it does not have a ratcheting head just a socket mount on it. It gives me a great deal of torque and I have never had an issue getting even the most stubborn bolts off with it. You can pick one up at your local tool supplier no problem.

Regards
Dave

Yep - that's called a breaker bar.

SHBB24, Breaker Bar, Soft Grip Handle, 24"

[wildcat077]

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

Like all professional mechanics that I know, I use an air impact rig on any and everything that I am able to!

Air tools here too ...

Cheers !
Phil

[PorscheGAL]

Use an impact wrench. It only makes the project easier!

[Kraftwerk]

Hit it with PB Blast (or the like) for three days in a row then go at it.

[trak ratt]

I have air and an electric impact. Use both often. I've had to really lay on the impact to get the rear shock bolts if they haven't been off for a while.

[rusnak]

Ingersoll Rand impact wrench

[Steve@Rennsport]

Those bolts are stubborn due to electrolysis between the steel bolt and the alloy threads. The factory failed to use some anti-seize on the threads which created your difficulties.

Due to the distance between the threads and the bolt's angle, I've found the best way to remove it is with air tools; a 1/2" dr impact wrench. I use an I-R 2131 but there are other good ones from Snap-On and CP. Penetrants such as Kroil do not reach down there very well and the impact wrench does a good job of jarring it loose.

Use some copper-based anti-seize on the bolt threads upon re-installation and you'll not have this problem again.

[Autoban]

Thanks a lot guys, I will get an impact wrench. I love tools and always wanted one of those. Now I have a good reason to buy one. A guy can never have enough tools (and toys for the tools, or is it the other way around?).

[Gustyones]

I went through this a few months back and someone on the forum recommended i use the jack handle as an extra extension on my 24" breaker bar. That finally broke it free. I also soaked it for a few hours with PB Blaster.

[Dave Colangelo]

Are you going Air or electric for the impact wrench?

If you dont have an air compressor this may be a good excuse to get one, I didn't have one for a while then when I got one it as great. It makes so many things so much simpler.

Regards
Dave

[Plavan]

I went with an electric Dewalt 18v impact years ago and never have looked back. Besides the Mid rise lift, this is the best tool I have ever purchased.

[newms]

Probably not a bad idea to jack up the trailing arm to remove the tension at the shock bottom. I've had threads on the lower bolt become frigged up due to the tension on the trailing arm ( which really comes fro
the torsion bar via the spring plate).

[rusnak]

^ Good point, as well as the one about using some copper grease on the bolt threads.