Rear spring hangers

Post by **rob.hardy1** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 10:22 am

I am replacing the rear suspension bushes and so far so good. Done the very rear but i am having trouble removing the front ones (on the back if you know what i mean) The big bolt is ok but there is a small bolt holding on what seems to be a plate holding in the bolt through the spring.Any tips on getting this off?

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Post by **Dean** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 10:32 am

The two small bolts holding the plate on may be rusted solid. The big bolt if replaced recently may with a bit of persuasion slide out of the plate, but I think it is an interference fit.

Therefore, either undo or cut off the small bolt holding the plate on (bloody sorry very fiddly) and with a wooden mallet bash out the big bolt taking the plate with it. You may need to use a cold chisel to help prise the plate away from the hanger. If you have to do this, might be a good idea to replace both bolt and plate with new ones. Sorry.

Post by **paulk** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 10:49 am

Even fairly new bolts seem to get seized solid. I normally end up beating them to a pulp and replacing the lot Main bolt and nut and the two little bolts.
When replacing use lots of white grease on the poly or rubber bushes this makes re assembly so much easier.

Post by **rob.hardy1** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 10:53 am

So, you go at it with a hammer and chisel and replace the broken bits. I should have known. Its what i would have ended up doing but wasnt sure if that was the way to go. Well the sun is shining i have all day and a big hammer, lets go for it.

Post by **paulk** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 11:04 am

i have all day and a big hammer

You know its the only way to go

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:01 am

Would have been better/easier to do the front bushes first - while there was some play/freedom in the rear bushes to allow easy manipulation of the springs. You may need to take the rear shackles off again while you sort out the front. And yes - an element of cutting and bashing, and very possibly application of heat, is highly likely on these front mounts!

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:19 am

Once you have the small bolts off, by grinding off the heads, you can apply heat to the pin plate through which the two bolts went, and then bend up each side (chisel and hammer) until they are vertical (to the plate). Then you can get the Stilsons (large adjustable wrench popular with plumbers) on it and wiggle it backwards and forwards.....hopefully.

Once you get it moving, the rust of ages tends to relent.

Or, if you have access to welding gear, you can weld a large nut to the plate, as central as possible in relation to the pin - the rest I'm sure you can work out.....weld a lot, and generate plenty of heat from the process.

I love this kind of thing - one always wins, it's just a question of how much time and energy needs to be devoted to the task!

I am working on the assumption that you plan to replace the pins - you can pretty well guarantee they will be in a poor condition. It makes sense to renew them, in view of all the work involved.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:24 am

They will all certainly need renewing!