14 replies to this topic

[greenmini]

Model:Mayfair
Year:1991


Hi

I'm on my way to getting my engine out but I can't get one of the swivel joint bolts out from the upper suspension arm. I've removed the nut but no method I can think of will budge the bolt from the swivel joint. I've used two different types of universal joint seperators - the one with the bolt on bolt action is rubbish because the bolts slip off and the more scissor looking type stayed in place but it was so stuck I gave in before the joint did. I've applied plenty of penetrating oil over days and days, applied heat and everything from gentle taps to whacks with hammers. It must be rusted solid, but I've never come across anything which is so stubborn...especially so close to getting the engine out.

This is my first post so please forgive me if I've done it all wrong.

Any help would be great!

Cheers
Pete

[MiniBonkerz]

pete dont give in the joint will release just keep going just be carfull when it eventully does shoot out can hurt

[bmcecosse]

Can only suggest the scissor type again - fit it - pull it up as tight as you dare - and then whack the scissor clamp end which is over the bolt as hard as you can with a wee-heavy club hammer!

[nicksuth]

Did you leave the nut on (part way) when you used the "bolt on bolt" one, if not, it helps to have it on 2/3rds of the way so it leaves a socket in the top to locate the joint splitter bolt. Tighten, tighten then give the arm a wack with a hammer.

[samsfern]

as above, fit the boltthrough type seperator, tighten it as much as you dare, give the bolt a tap with a hammer, standing well back, itll make quite a bang when it goes and make you jump, they always make me jump when they go, lol, if that fails do the balljoint splitter up using an impact wrench

yo should always leave the nut on at least 2 thirds of the way, to prevent you from fubburring the thread up.

Edited by samsernie, 18 April 2010 - 07:09 PM.

[bmcecosse]

This joint should be thrown away anyway - don't worry about the thread!

[samsfern]

^^^^ as above, its probably got litle tiny cracks/fractures if youve had to put that much force on it and still havent got it out. I know only too well what happens if they give way whilst your driving !

Edited by samsernie, 18 April 2010 - 08:13 PM.

[djshongo]

Had this same prob few wks ago, cudnt get the bugger out at all!

Then i remembered.. my drill

[adam_93rio]

im guessing youve got the bottom one out, have you tried jacking the top arm up so the joint sits more parralel to the hole its in

[greenmini]

Thanks all for the advice and suggestions!

I work on the car at weekends as it lives at my parents house at the moment. I will try all of the above suggestions. Unfortunately whilst using the bolt on bolt separator unsuccessfully a few too many times I ruined the thread on the top of the bolt and can't get the nut back on. Using it to align the bolts was a great idea!- why didn't I try that!? Then thinking all was probably lost I went with the last resort of using a mole grip, which didn't work and destroyed the thread completely.

I had the suspension arm pretty level and tried releasing the bolt at all sorts of angles

I was wondering if dismantling the ball joint whilst still attached would help at all so I was just left with the bolt in the arm without the hub/brake in the way? - does anyone know the size spanner to get around the ball joint? The biggest one I own is 1" and its a bit bigger than that - I could buy one then ready for my next trip to fix the mini

Pete

Edited by greenmini, 19 April 2010 - 11:02 AM.

[IainR]

The problem you will then find is that the large domed cap is also very difficult to undo without using a socket as you would have to use an open ended spanner.

On mine it took a lot of effort to break the taper but applying lots of heat is the answer - tighten up the ball joint separator, heat the suspension arm then hit the end with a hammer.

[MiniBonkerz]

the spanner needed is a 1 1/2'

[samsfern]

or a deep 1 1/2" socket. hard to get hold of though

[Pooky]

Can't use a socket as the top arm's in the way

What heat have you used? I'd put a blowtorch and heat up the ring end on the top arm for a few minutes, even leave the ball joint splitter fitted and under tension whilst heating it up.

Is this all just to get the engine out? You could always just cut the strap holding on the inboard CV gaitor and wiggle the drive shaft out of the pot joint this way...

[GraemeC]

Doesn't matter if it was to get the engine out now - the bj is bu66ered now and will need replacing!

My preference is to use a scissor type splitter. Tighten it up as much as you can then strike the side of the arm next to where the bj goes through with a good heavy hammer. Ideally hold another hammer on the opposite side of the arm at the same time as you'll get a more solid hit.