Removing Rusty Pinch Bolts

[IanDMacDonald]

2005 Mercury Sable. Struts all the way around, end links up front being done. Pinch bolts in the rear are prone to snapping. Use of torch is recommended to heat them prior to removal. No access to oxy torch. Could I substitute MAPP gas torch in it's plate? I will be replacing the pinch bolts with new from dealership.

[jwhughes3]

I would soak with penetrating oil first. I would think Propane is enough so MAPP is more than enough.

John

[DiverRay]

If you have not tried to remove them yet, try a 50/50 mix of Acetone and ATF instead of the penetrating oil. Works MUCH better that ALL store bought products. put some on the bolts, wait about 30 minutes, and take them off. Or, heat bolts, put on the mix, wait 5 minutes and then remove.

[Diskman01]

Any update?? Don't keep us hangin' here.

[IanDMacDonald]

Sorry guys. I bought an '05 Sable last year to keep mileage off our lease. Struts were needed all the way around. Doing more research, it was suggested to replace the plastic sway bar links in the front as-well. So, between Amazon and Ebay, I bought Monroe Quick Struts with Taxi Cab coils and Moog end links.

Bought a MAP gas kit from Home Depot for $65. Soaked the bolts all week, alternating between Acetone/ATF mix, and PB Blaster.

For those familiar with Ford Taurus front strut replacement, you have to drop the sub-frame to get the strut out of the pinch cup. Bought some RV jacks to hold the sub-frame while jacking the car up further. After a few breaks, cuss words, etc., I got it out. Reverse procedure provided the same colorful vocab.

The rears were not that bad. I used plenty of heat, not trying to blow the bolts through with my 3/4" air impact. In the end, I got it done over a 8-hour period.

Upon leaving, I noticed my brakes seemed mushy. Going down the hill, it was evident that something was wrong. Back into the shop I go. Ford cheaped-out and went to drums brakes on the rear. So, all that banging knocked the adjusters out of whack. So, got them set after a dozen turns. Brakes were so solid, I could hardly press the emergency brake pedal down.

Week later, I notice my left rear side a little different. What's the diff? Look under and notice the bottom of the strut is higher than the other side. Do some more visual measuring and found the left rear side did not have the pinch bolt going through the D-ring. So, 5am this morning, I ran it down to the shop and hammered the knuckle up enough to get the bolt through. Job complete.

[3Phase]

... So, 5am this morning, I ran it down to the shop and hammered the knuckle up enough to get the bolt through. Job complete.

Nice save, Ian! Keep your eyes on it for a while and make sure it stays done!
I hate jobs like that; never seem to quit.

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