1994 Pontiac Bonneville rusted bolts

1994 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE

170,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

GREENBONNIE1

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2 POSTS
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I am trying to replace the front struts on my 94 Bonne. I purchased Monroe Quick-Struts so I wouldn't have to mess with a coil spring compressor. The problem: the struts I am replacing are the originals, and the bolts that connect the lower strut to the steering knuckle are rusted tight. I spent 10 hours just removing the nuts, and have spent nearly the same amount of time on the bolts. I've tried tapping, hammering and pounding the *&%$ out of them; I've sprayed 2 cans of Liquid Wrench; heated them with a propane torch; and, I've ruined 2 ratchets trying to torque them to break the rust. I am open to any suggestions -

Sep 8, 2008 at 8:19 PM

SUSMAN28888

MEMBER
62 POSTS

Hey-

F try PB blaster, that works better then anything else out there.. second here is a trick i learned..

Take an old candle.. light the end of it up with a torch, hold it over the rusted out bolts.. let the wax drip into the threads, it should come out easy as cake, what it does is it basccily.. creates a new layer and it will come right out.. but try that before you try the pb blaster as blaster is flammable.. when you drip the wax in there take your ractchet and put a peice of pipe on there for leverage and it should pop right out.. let me know
leeland

Sep 8, 2008 at 8:24 PM

GREENBONNIE1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the advice. Just a question about the candle trick...the bolt head is rusted directly to the flange on the old strut - will the wax work its way all the way through the steering knuckle to the bolt head? I'll try the PB first. Thanks-

Sep 9, 2008 at 3:04 PM

SUSMAN28888

MEMBER
62 POSTS

Well you might have a problem getting it in there since its sideways but its worth a shot, try pb then a peice of pipe.. let me know how it goes, good luck!

Sep 9, 2008 at 6:13 PM