im trying to install new suspension in my rex (it's an hf if that matters). i have the shock assembly out but i can't get the pinch bolt loose. i have sprayed it with pb blast and taken an impact to it several times and it wont budge. i need it off so i can get my car on the street.

 

If you completely remove the bolt from it, you can wedge a fat old junky screwdriver into the gap and pry it apart.

You'll find the brake line brackets are what are REALLY hard to get off the shock tubes.

 

Try heat, Penetrating fluid soaked overnight, and a firm hit with the hammer may begin to free it up.

If you take your time, you will avoid future head aches (snapped bolt resulting in drilling and easy out, or tapping.)

 

just put a little penetrating oil on then keep using the impact going in reverse <U>and</U> then forward again( make sure you are using a impact socket not a regular socket) it will eventually get loose

 

why would you put it on forward?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by coot_er &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why would you put it on forward?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Lower the changes of snapping/breaking the bolt. 15+ years of salt and rust does wonders.

Make sure to spray the threads of the bolt down with a bit of penetrating fluid before driving back in every time you drive the bolt out. That way you'll be driving a bit more penetrating fluid into the threads each time thus making it easier on the old bolt to come out.

 

i would start with heat... it might ruin the seals in the shock though you could probaly get away with it if you are careful