Siezed solid

[crankedup]

I am attempting to adjust the steering box on my vintage car but have struck a problem. The box itself is made from an alloy material and I need to undo an brass bolt threaded into the alloy, its stuck firm. Have tried an 18 inch extension but this has failed to loosen the bolt. Of course I am extremely anxious not to exert to much brute force for fear of breaking part of the steering box, which is virtually irreplacable. The bolt is large being about 1 1/2 inches across and the type to be used with an 'C' spanner.Its tempting to use an hammer and large blade chisel but again I cannot afford to be daft and break the box. Any tricks of the trade to help me out please?

[rev-erend]

Well worth a read :

http://www.pumaracing.co.uk/ToolUse.htm

[crankedup]

Cheers Rev-erand, so it looks like the hammer or blowtorch then

If I ask about alloy welding later you'll know why

[rev-erend]

Seem to remember hear and oil / grease do not mix .. so be careful.

Impact - hammer blows seem the best solution .. even if it's only on a well fitting spanner..(assuming a socket cannot be used)

[GreenV8S]

Aluminium won't like the heat too much so perhaps better to freeze the bolt rather than heat the box? If all else fails it sounds as if it's big enough to drill the bolt out without being too fidly?

[dickkark]

This may sound obvious but some steering box adjuster lock nuts have left handed threads,have you tried that?

Also worth noting is that some early steering boxes had adjuster bolts that wind outwards to remove slack.

Edited by dickkark on Wednesday 15th October 17:57

[Steve_D]

Blows with a hammer and soft drift on the end of the bolt should shock the (corroded) interface of the threads.

Would it be possible to drill a 3mm hole through the head of bolt to arrive at the root of the thread so that WD40 can be introduced right to the heart of the problem.

Steve

[crankedup]

Thanks for interest and suggestions. The brass locknut threaded into the alloy steering box is the bolt thats siezed in, and through the centre of that is the brass adjuster bolt. Neither of which have been touched in decades I reckon. I have doused the area in penetrating fluid several times now and hope some may seep into the threaded area. This old car (1925)has certainly thrown up a few little challenges over the past two years or so of my ownership and I don't suppose for one minute its finished with me yet. :