Removing seized wishbone bolt

[STRBramley]

Does anyone have any tips for removing these buggers?
I’ve tried everything and it just won’t budge. The inner metal of the rubber bush has seized to the bolt from what I can tell.

I’m happy to take a grinder to it but I don’t have the access. Would a multi tool do the job?

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Does anyone have any tips for removing these buggers?
I’ve tried everything and it just won’t budge. The inner metal of the rubber bush has seized to the bolt from what I can tell.

I’m happy to take a grinder to it but I don’t have the access. Would a multi tool do the job?

View attachment 1658624

I used a grinder with a thin cutting disc. There was enough room to get between the bush and the wishbone/bracket.

It was a bit of a dick though.

 

[Brigsy]

Recip saw if you have one.

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Much better idea!

 

[Brigsy]

Much better idea!

I used a danger grinder back in the day not recommended as can only get in with guard off. Fingers off job!

 

[Robbie Corbett]

I used a danger grinder back in the day not recommended as can only get in with guard off. Fingers off job!

100% I would have had the guard off with my eyeball 6" away like a moron.

 

[STRBramley]

Recip saw if you have one.

Unfortunately not. I do have a multi tool so was thinking that might do the job?

 

[Krarl]

Reciprocating saw down either side of it. Or if you're poor a hack saw and a lot of swearing🤣

 

[dangerous dave]

Unfortunately not. I do have a multi tool so was thinking that might do the job?

Do you have 783 blades for it?

 

[Mr Underhill]

On my first 182, one of the bushes was practically welded to the bolt. I had very few tools, but I did have a blow torch and a hammer. It’s bloody horrible, smelly, smokey and probably downright dangerous ☠️

Buy a saw!

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Pardon our interruption...

 

[STRBramley]

Pardon our interruption...

Thanks. Never used one of these saws before, will the blade that comes with it be suitable or do I need a specific blade?

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Thanks. Never used one of these saws before, will the blade that comes with it be suitable or do I need a specific blade?

Black and Decker are full s**t btw but I have this exact saw because it was £20 in a B&Q closing sale recently. It comes with one metal and one wood cutting blade. If it were me I would assume whatever blade you use will get trashed by the bolts so buy another on Amazon just in case - saves you wasting another day etc.

 

[Brigsy]

Unfortunately not. I do have a multi tool so was thinking that might do the job?

I think you would be deaf using a multi tool, the racket they make is horrific

 

[Martin_172]

i got one out a few months back using an impact gun, an extension and a universal joint, it cracked loose and the UJ survived!

 

[npt]

Get some heat on it, it'll come out then no issues

 

[STRBramley]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Hoping to get a recip saw at the weekend and get this sorted.
I've got another quick question that seemed too basic to start a new thread. Can the below be removed for access to the arb? The car is currently on axle stands and I wasn't sure if it's safe to remove or if it's supporting something.

 

[Brigsy]

Yes whip the plates off wont make a difference. You could lower rear of subframe for access, undo steering column uj.

 

[JamesBryan]

Yeah they're just subframe braces, fine to remove.

 

[Krarl]

Aye whip em off

 

[Chrisgti6]

Get some heat on it, it'll come out then no issues

Definitely get some heat on it, ideally a proper plumbers torch if you have access to one.

 

[Mr Underhill]

This might work if you haven't already gone out and bought a saw.

Depending on how rusted the bolt is to the inner metal sleeve. Spray some penetrating fluid in first and let it soak.

Now't to lose.

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Depending on how rusted the bolt is to the inner metal sleeve. Spray some penetrating fluid in first and let it soak.

Now't to lose.

Its a Renault which means the wishbone has been soaked in gearbox fluid since new, I don't think extra is going to help

 

[Mr Underhill]

Its a Renault which means the wishbone has been soaked in gearbox fluid since new, I don't think extra is going to help

The gearbox is on t'other side

Edit. Sorry, no it isn't

You're right!

 

[Krarl]

The gearbox is on t'other side

View attachment 1658860

Edit. Sorry, no it isn't

You're right!

Leaking rocker cover and sump keeps the drivers side nice and oiled 😂

 

[Mr Underhill]

Leaking rocker cover and sump keeps the drivers side nice and oiled 😂

 

[Matt Cup]

Leaking rocker cover and sump keeps the drivers side nice and oiled 😂

Sounds like a R53 mini. Zero rust thanks to this one trick.

 

[STRBramley]

Reciprocating saw made easy work of the bolt. Thanks for all the help everyone 👍

 

[STRBramley]

Now the wishbone is out I was planning to replace them entirely with new bushes etc. I've read the OSF wishbone has been discontinued so it's either refurb mine or get some aftermarket ones.
I was looking at the below. Would these be ok with one of these stiffening plates? Or should I stop being lazy and go and get the bushes removed? I tried yesterday and they wouldn't budge.
eBay link

 

[Brigsy]

Id refurb oem so you have the correct castor. Stick some powerflex bushes in and new balljoints. Paint or powdercoat finish.

The bushes arent too bad to get out. Press, vice or burn the rubbers out and carefully cut the outer sleeve so it just needs a tap to knock it out.

 

[STRBramley]

Id refurb oem so you have the correct castor. Stick some powerflex bushes in and new balljoints. Paint or powdercoat finish.

The bushes arent too bad to get out. Press, vice or burn the rubbers out and carefully cut the outer sleeve so it just needs a tap to knock it out.

Thanks, I'll have a go at burning them out. I just hope all my bashing with a hammer hasn't ruined them

 

[Brigsy]

Assuming they are not bent then should be ok. The bushes are press fit hammer usually wont cut it on these.

 

[npt]

Ball joints are cheap, re bushing it is simple enough, I'd fit standard bushes over powerflex if you can, unless racecar

 

[Matt182!]

Just jumping on this thread as I am also planning to refurbish my wishbones. However I contacted RPD and it seems that the original bushes (8200651169 or 7700789477) are no longer available....

Anyone know or have experience with any alternatives other than Powerflex?

Thanks.

 

[Brigsy]

Febi bilstein bushes are ok if you want oem replacements.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Op wants to do the odd trackday. Strongflex are a good alternative to powerflex. Probably as cheap as OEM equivalents.