Pinch Bolt Removal

[?????]

Hi,

Anyone have any experience, tools, tips with removing the upper control arm pinch bolt for a B6 A4?

Nut side is stripped and bolt head side is a bit out but its going to sheer off soon.

Thanks!

[golf1]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

This might not work for you if the threaded portion is stripped. But what i do is break the head off the bolt, heat/penetrating oil on the bolt and keep tightening a nut on the threaded side and it will slowly pull itself out.

[?????]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

This might not work for you if the threaded portion is stripped. But what i do is break the head off the bolt, heat/penetrating oil on the bolt and keep tightening a nut on the threaded side and it will slowly pull itself out.

Thanks. I can cut off the stripped portion and put the nut back on. But the bolt isn't threaded all the way do you think it will pull out that far?

[FlyBoy]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

Stack washers in to the keep the nut on the threaded section. Remove nut, add more washers, repeat.

[Natty54]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

hate those stupid bolts. Be careful when using heat, can melt the aluminium pretty easy

I have had luck with hammer and a punch. There is also a special tool for the removal of these as well

[golf1]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

The special tool is like $500 if its the one im thinking of. Some of the guys doing this once, or twice might not be able to justify it.

[bobkatkat]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

You will use both flyboys and nattys suggestions probably on the same bolt. Just did upper control and used both methods. And also this invaluable tool. http://www.kmstools.com/ajax-hammer-chisel-7645 mine is a bit shorter. Just leave the nut on the end of the bolt and maybe try to turn the bolt with a rachet at the same time as hammering. Also spray with liquid wrench or the like multiple times days and hours before you start.

[eddycooper]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

I just did both of mine recently. I could turn the bolts with a wrench (thankfully) but it was still a lot of work to get them out. I ended up using a pickle fork to put leverage on the bolt head while turning the bolt with a breaker bar at the same time. It took a long time.

Once they're out, you'll find that the new ones don't slide in easily. There is a bunch of junk on the walls of the hole. I think it needs to be cleaned out if you have a hope of pulling the bolt out again in the future. I used a couple brushes from this set with a drill. It took maybe 20 minutes on each side (yes, that long) but finally I got them to the point where the new bolts would slide in easily.
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/Hole...-Set/8429367.p

[?????]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

Thanks guys! I'll try the stacked washer method. Means i'll have to snap the head of the bolt off.

Any suggestions where to get new similar bolt and nut if not stronger than the original ones?

[Natty54]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

only option I know is OEM. Just can put a bunch of copper paste the bolt for install and should come out super easy next round

[eddycooper]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

For my VW the new bolts are $3 each at the dealer. The lock nuts are $2 each. They are grade 8.8. You could try to get a grade 10.9 bolt, but I checked with Fastenal here in town and they do not stock them (they can be ordered). It will be M10x1.5 and the length is 95/100/105 mm depending on the exact model.

Natty is right - the more important thing is to get anti-seize on there when you put it in. And be wary of the torque spec - it's fairly low (30 ft.lbs?).

[eddycooper]

Re: Pinch Bolt Removal

Here is another option for removal:
http://www.passatworld.com/forums/61...easy-pics.html