I just tried to check the fluid level in the parking brake assembly on my 2000 F53 frame Holiday Rambler and could not break the bolt loose with my sockets. It is either frozen on there or I have become too old and feeble (my wife's explanation). Can I try my electric impact wrench on this or do I run the risk of shearing off the bolt head? Seems like such a samll thing to ask on here, but having suffered the consequences of my actions over the years, thought it prudent.

First thing is to have the correct sized six point socket.Then a light hit with impact, or you could try tightening slightly then loosen with breaker bar and cheater.

I would start by using some penetrating lube on it. Let it set for at least an hour and try again. The next step would be to use some heat on the nut. Hitting it with an impact if it's seized is an invitation to shearing it off and causing more problems. I would only use this as a last resort.

jluke wrote:I just tried to check the fluid level in the parking brake assembly on my 2000 F53 frame Holiday Rambler and could not break the bolt loose with my sockets. It is either frozen on there or I have become too old and feeble (my wife's explanation). Can I try my electric impact wrench on this or do I run the risk of shearing off the bolt head? Seems like such a samll thing to ask on here, but having suffered the consequences of my actions over the years, thought it prudent.I'm assuming you're speaking of the oil fill/check plug in the parking brake assembly behind the transmission, correct? If so, I can't imagine that plug being that tight. But, if you say it is, well, then it must be. I have one suggestion for you. If it's that tight, here's a procedure that's worked more than once for me but, it involves some tactics and, a bit of money. I have a can of "Freeze" hanging around for various reasons. And, I have my handy propane torch for various plumbing needs. What I've done in the past with stubborn bolts, sensors and more is, 1. Heat the area immediately around the problem plug with your propane torch. No need to be there for hours, just a couple of minutes will do the trick. Then, immediately put down the torch, and pickup your can of Freeze and spray the bolt head for about 3-4 seconds. What that does is shrink the bolt threads while they've been expanded on the parent side by the heat. The bolt/plug should pop loose without too much issue. Scott

Make sure they're not LEFT hand threads! Scott's "trick" has been used for years and works better than anything else. At the very least, get a can of penetrating oil, I like PB Blaster, (Home Depot/Lowes/Napa). Shoot if well and let it sit overnight. Put the correct size socket on it, rap it a couple times with a mallet and then try getting it off. An impact wrench should be a LAST resort!Just out of curiousity, when was the last time you checked this fluid reservoir? It shouldn't be that tight in only a years time right..:W....Dennis

PB Blaster is good, but Kroil is even better if you can spray it a few times a day for a couple of days. Good luck.

removing bolt with impact wrench | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

Executive45
Explorer III
Sep 12, 2015
Pirate wrote:
enblethen wrote:
I would suggest flushing the brake fluid system. Not sure what Ford uses for fluid, but over time most brake fluid will deteriorate.
:S:S I don't think you know what this topic is talking about..:S:S

Since it's been 15 years and the OP solved his "issue", this was simply a reminder to change the fluid. Obviously this coach has been neglected and this is just another suggestion to keep it running down the road....Dennis
Pirate1
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
enblethen wrote:
I would suggest flushing the brake fluid system. Not sure what Ford uses for fluid, but over time most brake fluid will deteriorate.
I don't think you know what this topic is talking about.
enblethen
Nomad
Sep 12, 2015
I would suggest flushing the brake fluid system. Not sure what Ford uses for fluid, but over time most brake fluid will deteriorate.
jluke
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
Breaker bar and penetrating oil did the trick. Probably hasn't been removed in 15 years. The cylinder was full. Thanks to all for the input. so nice to be able to get many opinions on here before you do something you may regret.
Stefonius
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
Sprig wrote:
jluke wrote:
...Can I try my electric impact wrench on this or do I run the risk of shearing off the bolt head? Seems like such a samll thing to ask on here, but having suffered the consequences of my actions over the years, thought it prudent.

Well, looks like I am the contrarian here. I'd absolutely use an impact and quality impact socket.

I would, like other posters mentioned, hit it with some penetrating oil and let soak overnight.

I've found that impacts generally twist the bolt head only a little over each impact and is less likely to twist off the bolt head in comparison to a breaker bar. In my opinion, if the bolt head breaks off with the impact gun, then the bolt head would have broken off with the breaker bar; but this does not work the other way around in my experience.
I agree with you. I'd use my Ryobi 18V impact gun to spin the bolt off. A couple of short bursts should loosen the bolt right up without putting undue stress on the head or threads.
holstein13
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
Lot's of good advice here. I just want to add one point.

If you do shear off the bolt head, you can have someone weld on a nut to the bolt and that will act as your new bolt head.

Also, I want to caution you on freezing the bolt. It will make the bolt slightly more brittle. So start with the penetrating oil, then use a cheater bar, then only light taps on the cheater bar with a hammer, then the freezing of the bolt. In that order.
jerseyjim
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
In 50,000 miles, I've checked mine twice (found enough oil in it...all was well) and never had to go the impact gun route or anything close. The correct socket, a ratchet wrench and that was it.
When the tranny got replaced, the shop claimed they dumped and put new fluid in it. No reason to doubt them.
Sprig
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
jluke wrote:
...Can I try my electric impact wrench on this or do I run the risk of shearing off the bolt head? Seems like such a samll thing to ask on here, but having suffered the consequences of my actions over the years, thought it prudent.

Well, looks like I am the contrarian here. I'd absolutely use an impact and quality impact socket.

I would, like other posters mentioned, hit it with some penetrating oil and let soak overnight.

I've found that impacts generally twist the bolt head only a little over each impact and is less likely to twist off the bolt head in comparison to a breaker bar. In my opinion, if the bolt head breaks off with the impact gun, then the bolt head would have broken off with the breaker bar; but this does not work the other way around in my experience.
GPWayne
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015
Don't be surprised if you get oil running out when you get the plug out.
when Ford services these on the bench it is on it's side and is over full.
Good luck.
RLS7201
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2015
The plug is right hand threads. I just had mine out for a oil level check. I did have to use a long breaker over bar to get it loose.

Richard