Strut install help (main bolt won't come out)

[sculptor310]

I'm installing new struts, but one of my main strut bolts (the ones with the ribbed collar that connect the control arm to the strut) is stuck. The other ones all came out by pounding them with a hammer, but this last one won't budge.

I tried some penetrating oil. Then I tried heating the bolt.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Sponsored

 

[Static_LV]

Bigger hammer, air hammer, take some tension off by using a jack to relocate things.

 

[sculptor310]

Thanks - tried the sledge hammer and even a spring compressor. This bolt isn't moving for anything. It is starting to mushroom pretty bad at the tip.

 

[TorqueMan]

Then I tried heating the bolt.

You apply heat to the part you want to expand. Heating the bolt will make it expand, which will make it harder to extract. Heat the area surrounding the bolt.

Sponsored