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kfp673's avatar
kfp673
Explorer II
Mar 25, 2021

Removing seized shackle bolts?

Hello All,

Looking for recommendations. I purchased the MorRyde CRE3000 with wet bolt / shackle kit. Jacked the camper up and the axels up, pulled the wheels, and did not get past the first shackle bolt. I have an air impact and a battery impact and could not get it to brake lose. It just spun. It was getting dark so I just put the wheel back on. I do not have a torch, so is there any other way for me to get these off? We leave for a trip in a few days and I would really like to have this installed, however because we leave so soon I also don't want to get my self in a half finished project situation.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

58 Replies

  • rhagfo wrote:
    Well yes long six point box wrench on the back, and an impact wrench on the nut. Lots of WD40, or rust blaster.

    Don't waste your time with WD-40. Get PB Blaster or a similar penetrating oil.
    Or, make your own with 50% acetone and 50% automatic transmission fluid. It works.
  • Right angle grinder with a slitting disk makes it EZ-PZ.

    Forget the HF JUNK.
  • theoldwizard1 wrote:
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Always put a wrench on both ends of a shackle bolt, the fact that it turned says that the knurling was stripped out with your impact wrench. Lose the impact wrench and use plain wrenches when removing AND installing.

    Add a piece of pipe as a cheater !


    You are dealing with what, a 7/16 bolt? Some good penetratingly oil is likely a good thing. Hold the bolt, turn the nut to break it loose. Once loose, spin the bolt a couple of turns, (break the bolt loose before drive it out) then run the nut off
  • Lynnmor wrote:
    Always put a wrench on both ends of a shackle bolt, the fact that it turned says that the knurling was stripped out with your impact wrench. Lose the impact wrench and use plain wrenches when removing AND installing.

    Add a piece of pipe as a cheater !
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    QCMan wrote:
    Just did the same job and it took a long box wrench wedged against the frame and a 24" breaker bar. As soon as it broke loose it was normal ratchet work. Keep in mind that the nuts bottom against the shoulder of the bolt so it locks on more than if it was just holding two pieces together.


    Well yes long six point box wrench on the back, and an impact wrench on the nut. Lots of WD40, or rust blaster.
  • Just did the same job and it took a long box wrench wedged against the frame and a 24" breaker bar. As soon as it broke loose it was normal ratchet work. Keep in mind that the nuts bottom against the shoulder of the bolt so it locks on more than if it was just holding two pieces together.
  • Seon's avatar
    Seon
    Explorer II
    Harbor Freight sells cordless grinders and 4-1/2" cut off wheels.
  • Always put a wrench on both ends of a shackle bolt, the fact that it turned says that the knurling was stripped out with your impact wrench. Lose the impact wrench and use plain wrenches when removing AND installing.

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