unhappy_idle

I spent the better part of the past week-end trying to remove the fork bolt of the
frotn suspension ( struts)

After a liberal application of PBlaster, I managed to get off the two brake hose bolts that hold the brake pipes to the strut housing as well as the fork pinch bolt. I even managed to get off the nut that is on the fork bolt that attaches the fork to the wheel knuckle.

HOWEVER I just could not get the bolt out of the bushing and remove the fork.
I am pretty desperate to replace the struts, I have the struts, the strut-mounting mate kits, the dust covers etc all ready to go.

SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO REMOVE THIS BOLT SO THAT THE FORK CAN BE REMOVED wold be MOST APPRECIATED!!!!!

Thanks in advance......

Danronian

It's probably siezed to the sleeve inside the LCA bushing...
I'm going to assume you tried zipping out the bolt w/an impact gun and that you hit on the non-head side of it with a mallet...
First I would heat the **** out of it on both sides to try to get it to budge (w/a little propane torch). If that doesnt work you need to cut off the bolt so that you can get the fork off. Then you'll need to remove that bushing(since most of the bolt will be siezed inside of it) and replace it. Depending on what car you're doing this on, it'll probably just be easier to get the new LCA and bolt you cut up, from the junkyard.

IN VTEC

iTrader: (3)

Knock it out with a screwdriver (or punch) and a hammer. Duh.

LSEGHATCH

if it has the tappered end (non threaded to a point) you can use an air hammer. It works very well and I actually did this on my 300zx two days ago. Just make sure there aren't threads on the end or you'll be sol.

Danronian

It doesnt thread through, if the nut is off its save to beat the crap out of the pointed end w/a sledge.

unhappy_idle

Thanks guys,

the car is a 1988 Honda Accord LX ( 2.0L Carb) and I do not think that the bolt is threaded in. At least it does not seem to be per the manual. I will inspect it a little further before I whack the living crap out of it.

By the way does heating it with a propane torch weaken the bolt. i.e. will I need to use
a new bolt if I heat and then remove?

Danronian

Well it might weaken it (not sure) but once its out you can replace it later from one from the junkyard if you really are worried about it. It'll be fine for a while though, i wouldnt worry about reusing it if the threads are fine and the bolt is still intact.

Slow ass EF

if you do heat it just be careful not to burn the bushing up, otherwise you will need the bushing. i would recommend a new bolt for the fork...
also, anti-seize is your best friend on old rusty bolts

Danronian

I'm guessing he means PB Blaster...
That stuff kicks ***.

unhappy_idle

To all those who responded to my request last month. Two weeks ago I did remove the fork bolt with the application heat. I used a propande torch and miraculously managed to not damage the bushing or the bolt.

I installed both struts without any problem.

Once again, thanks!!!