No Hammer Splined Strut Bolt Removal

[Conehead]

I used a large truck stud remover and they came out easy. Granted the car is only 6 months old but I couldn’t bring myself to take a sledge to it. It cost around $300 so maybe a better club purchase to be loaned out.

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[Conehead]

This is a 2021 Gt that has a magneride style hub. I needed to stack a spacer to clear the hub for pressing out the bottom bolt. No problem. There wasn’t room for my impact gun but it was not needed!

OTC 4295 Wheel Stud Service Kit

 

[Cobra Jet]

Good info, thanks for posting the tech, tool info and vid!

 

[StangTime]

You can also use a big C clamp and an oversized socket on the bolt side. Same idea basically.

EDIT: I tried this method and don't recommend it. C clamp rotation handle can't provide enough torque.

 

[Conehead]

Well that sounds more reasonable. Better than a hammer..

 

[Conehead]

You can also use a big C clamp and an oversized socket on the bolt side. Same idea basically.

Have you done this? My old brain forgot but I was trying this a few months ago on a strut not on the car. I cut off the little sliding handle and was going to weld a nut for the ratchet end. I remember having trouble fitting a socket for both inside and outside clearance. I should try again. It would save a lot of misery for this operation.

 

[StangTime]

Have you done this? My old brain forgot but I was trying this a few months ago on a strut not on the car. I cut off the little sliding handle and was going to weld a nut for the ratchet end. I remember having trouble fitting a socket for both inside and outside clearance. I should try again. It would save a lot of misery for this operation.

I'm about to. I have the car in the air doing suspension upgrades and will probably be doing the struts tomorrow. I have a rather hefty C clamp that looks almost like the press tool in your pic. I'll post some pics when I do it.

 

[Conehead]

Thanks. A much cheaper solution.

 

[Conehead]

The install left handed holding the camera with the other and old guy lung issues. Or…just use an impact gun. Does putting a pre stretch on it pulling the bolt through matter? I’m new to these one use bolts.

 

[Conehead]

The lower bolt again required a spacer to clear my 2021 4 bolt hub.

 

[Conehead]

I just checked Amazon and the price has jumped $250 since March. I guess build one from a c-clamp… Ouch.
OTC 4295 Wheel Stud Service Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009B2M3YO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Dana Pants]

What I did and I think is easiest is just to use the impact gun on the splined bolt. Back and forth an few times and it backed out on its own.

 

[Conehead]

I’m confused. Impact gun on the head of the bolt back and forth to remove it? Didn’t that muck up the splines and auger the holes on the strut?

 

[Dana Pants]

I’m confused. Impact gun on the head of the bolt back and forth to remove it? Didn’t that muck up the splines and auger the holes on the strut?

Which are all good things. The service bolts don’t even have splines and a bit of play let’s you tweak camber.

 

[Conehead]

Huh. The bolts I got from Ford did have splines. I have plenty of camber with plates and the strut tower is enlarged for a bit more. Your solution sounds like a good way to get around rules for a class not allowing camber plates.

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