Member Since: 01 Jun 2011
Location: Fife
Posts: 569
Seized Drop Link Nut
I am trying to remove the drop link on the driver's side but the nut at the bottom of the link is seized solid and will not budge.
I don't have a torch to heat it so I am thinking I should get a grinder or a nut splitter to do the job.
Does anyone have any recommendations on which approach is best, please and any recommendations on what to buy?
It's quite tight in there so I am not sure if any old grinder will get in there?
22nd Aug 2018 1:15 pm
deanslandy
Member Since: 17 Jan 2015
Location: nuneaton
Posts: 646
If I were you I would opt for the nut splitter as using an angle grinder in tight spaces gives me the willies. You don't want to be struggling with one of those Belts, oil pump casing and water pump by Flack
Transmission flush by Geoff
22nd Aug 2018 1:19 pm
omg!
Member Since: 01 Jun 2011
Location: Fife
Posts: 569
Thanks for the advice. I wasn't particularly happy with the grinder idea either.
I don't have a nut splitter so I managed to get a mini hacksaw in there and spent 20 minutes sawing the nut until it was almost cut all the way through. I then put some more penetrating stuff on and spannered it off.
22nd Aug 2018 2:41 pm
deanslandy
Member Since: 17 Jan 2015
Location: nuneaton
Posts: 646
Nice one. Angle grinders are a brilliant tool aren'y they but they take no prisoners on the way. Belts, oil pump casing and water pump by Flack
Transmission flush by Geoff
22nd Aug 2018 2:44 pm
highlands
Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: NW Highlands
Posts: 5096
I have a 10.8V 'Dremel' (well, a Lidl bargain one) and a corded B&D equivalent that I use when I struggle to get the grinder in.Black 05 TDV6 HSE Auto
Grey 05 TDV6 HSE Auto (Gone)
54 TDV6 SE Man (killed by me )
22nd Aug 2018 2:46 pm
omg!
Member Since: 01 Jun 2011
Location: Fife
Posts: 569
I tried the dremmel like thing from Lidl and all it did was make sparks, it barely scratched the nut.
I obviously didn't have the right attachment.
Now all I have to do is persuade the ARB U bracket that holds the bush in place to come off!
22nd Aug 2018 2:52 pm
highlands
Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: NW Highlands
Posts: 5096
If a junior hacksaw worked and the 'Dremel' didn't, so long as it was spinning fast, you had the wrong attachment.
I use the thin cutting discs and have never had anything that they won't get through.
They are brittle though, so it is VERY important to wear eye protection.Black 05 TDV6 HSE Auto
Grey 05 TDV6 HSE Auto (Gone)
54 TDV6 SE Man (killed by me )
22nd Aug 2018 6:16 pm
omg!
Member Since: 01 Jun 2011
Location: Fife
Posts: 569
I used the thin disk at full speed. I guess I was just using it wrong but when I applied any pressure to it the disk slowed right down.
22nd Aug 2018 6:24 pm
highlands
Member Since: 11 Jan 2010
Location: NW Highlands
Posts: 5096
Maybe Lidl's offerings have zero torque now?
Even my old Maplin tiny one that runs off a 12v ciggie socket works better than a junior hacksaw.Black 05 TDV6 HSE Auto
Grey 05 TDV6 HSE Auto (Gone)
54 TDV6 SE Man (killed by me )
22nd Aug 2018 6:44 pm
Discomadness
Member Since: 19 Jan 2015
Location: Caerphilly
Posts: 2256
If they are genuine ones the nuts are flanged I think and a nut splitter will have trouble. I just carefully use an angle grinder. Jarrod
Current : D3 2007 HSE - AKA the lemon
-beanie grille
-detango with led bulbs
-club body off rebuild. TWICE.
22nd Aug 2018 6:53 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13670
Also used a Dremel for the drop links , cut through in no time at all
Found using the flexible attachment very handy
Think this would also be handy
Last edited by gstuart on 22nd Aug 2018 7:02 pm. Edited 1 time in total
22nd Aug 2018 6:56 pm
omg!
Member Since: 01 Jun 2011
Location: Fife
Posts: 569
The nuts were/are flanged.
I've never used a nut splitter before so it never occurred to me that wouldn't work with flanged nuts.
I managed with a hacksaw and some patience as I didn't have a grinder or a nut splitter. I thought it would take me longer to go and buy those things than to hack my way through.
Glad we have this forum to help out with advice like this!
Last edited by omg! on 23rd Aug 2018 9:45 am. Edited 1 time in total
22nd Aug 2018 6:57 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13670
Hats off to u for using a hacksaw
23rd Aug 2018 9:31 am
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2080
Has anyone tried an induction heater to free nuts, just intrigued having seen it on Wheeler dealers.
23rd Aug 2018 12:13 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13670
There are indeed suppose to be very good, but very expensive
Last edited by gstuart on 24th Aug 2018 7:13 am. Edited 2 times in total
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