Any hints for getting rusted bolts off without breaking them? They are the 3 that hold the hub onto the steering assembly.
Asked by 98cherokee Sep 10, 2016 at 03:11 PM about the 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2-Door 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I've used 3-in-1 High Performance penetrating oil several times, wire brushed the surfaces I could get at both on the head and on the threads sticking out on the other side, I've smacked them sharply with a small ballpeen hammer. All I did was bend my 13mm spanner trying to crack it loose.
4 Answers
I am guessing you are trying to remove the wheel bearing ? The best thing is heat. You will need oxy- acetylene torches. Heat up the bearing where the bolts thread in to it. This will render the bearing useless but it is bad to begin with I and guessing is why you are removing it. Mind the drive axle not to start its boot on fire.
98cherokee answered 8 years ago
Hi... Thanks for suggestion but wheel bearings are in excellent shape. I need to take off the hubs to remove the front axles. They are in need of u-joints.
Then you might try viberating it with a needle scaler or air haamer to break the rust bond. Also make sure you are using the right socket. It memory service me, that is a 12 sided bolt. You don't want to round off the bolt head. Their is a good amount of torque that is required to break it free
98cherokee answered 8 years ago
I'll give the diesel fuel a try.... thanks. AND: Will an impact wrench work as well (referring to 'air hammer' answer) if I can get it in place (not much room to work with large tools in there).
