Seized drop link bolts

[JonChalk]

Started stripping front suspension on OHs MOT- failure Audi A1, only to find that the drop link nuts are seized onto the thread and just rotate. Even after plenty of WD40 soaking.

As you can see from the photo, the countersunk centre Torx has just snapped off half the edge with application of tiniest amount of torque to try and stop rotation and an impact wrench freed up the whole bolt/nut, but just spins it on the nut. There’s no hex on the back of this, just a rounded head (like a coach bolt, but without the squared section to prevent rotation.

I’m thinking the only solution is to buy new bolts ( as part of droplink set) and drill out or grind off the bolts.

Edited by JonChalk on Saturday 20th February 12:22

[JonChalk]

Thanks all - new droplink set ordered - time to get the grinder & drill out! Going to see about a nut-splitter.

[JonChalk]

E-bmw said:

Can't really see from that pic, but if the end of the drop link is a ball joint, it will come with full replacements anyway.

Yep, they do.

[JonChalk]

Captain Answer said:

Can't quite see from photo but if you can get an angle grinder in the other side with a cutting disk you'd have that off in 30 seconds, knock out the remains if still stuck then just bolt in the new ones

Probably going to have to do exactly that - just waiting for new grinder to turn up . Plus nut-splitters, just in case

Never hurts to have a plan B!