Leaf Springs - CV-8 MKII

[digidiverdave]

An old chestnut I know but someone I am sure could put forward a suggestion to enable me to move on ....

Trying to remove back axle and successfully so until I came to remove the front nearside hanger bolt from the leaf spring.

Nut undone, but bolt is solid, applied heat and now the bolt will rotate but cannot hit the bolt through despite using the biggest hammer possible !

Issue - why when the bolt rotates will it not slide through the eye of the leaf spring

Frustrated - David

[Frankoid]

I had a similar problem with my 541. In the end I gave up trying and hacksawed through the bolt on both sides and removed the spring. When off the car I put the leaf spring on a hydraulic press and removed the bearing and refitted it with new parts. Do check you can get the parts before doing this!

[digidiverdave]

Thanks for your suggestion which could be the last resort - but good idea (why didn't I think of that!)

Best regards

David

[Chris_R]

Thinking about this, it could be that it is not just the bolt rotating but the entire bush or the centre of the bush has broken away from the rubber. The bolt still is siezed to the centre bush shaft, especially now that you applied heat which might have melted the rubber. I think the bush and the securing bolt are fairly standard items common with the Interceptor.

[digidiverdave]

Thanks Chris - makes sense but not easy to sort - will try a day or so with WD40

[Steve Payne]

Dave I have had the same problem on an Interceptor, no amount of heat or penetrating fluid would move it.

The easiest way of removing the bolt head was a hacksaw blade wrapped in some tape, hold the other end of the bolt with some mole grips to stop it rotating. It surprised me how quickly I managed to saw through the bolt. As soon as progress slows use a new blade as they do blunt quickly.

When refitting put some copper grease on the new bolt.

Steve

[digidiverdave]

Thanks Steve,

I'm sitting here mustering up t he strength to get started - many thanks

David

[Steve Payne]

Get yourself comfortable with a foam pad on the floor and get yourself at angle to get the best stroke. 3 or 4 hacksaw blades and you will be through it quicker than you think.

Steve

[Frankoid]

..and be ready for some bloodied knuckles...

[digidiverdave]

Sorry to report that having tried the suggestions put forward the leaf spring pin is still in situ - the very last part remaining in the total strip down of the car,

Heat, hacksaws, WD40 and big hammers have not worked and so I am looking at trying to get a disc cutter inbetween the hanger and the spring to cut it out and hopefully press the offending item out.

The problem is that it is the front leaf spring pin and very restricted for space to get anything in to sort it ..... watch this space

Many thanks for the support - much appreciated and if you are at a loose end this weekend please feel free to come along and have a go!

[DaveT]

The last time I had this problem with a 541, I used a reciprocating saw ( similar to a jigsaw but with a more pointed body and smaller "plate") with metal cutting blade. These can be a bit brutal but with care should do the trick fairly quickly. These saws are now very popular with builders trying to clear out old materials and fixings.

Good luck

Dave

[Steve Payne]

I have a Milwaukee battery angle grinder, these are less viscous than mains powered versions and if you can get hold of one it might be easier.

Steve

[digidiverdave]

Hi Steve/Dave,

Thanks for the suggestions I will have a look around

Many thanks

[digidiverdave]

Pleased to say that the bolt has now been removed ....

Finally it was cut through with an angle grinder with metal cutting disc between the leaf spring and hanger plate

Thanks to everyone who came forward with suggestions and support.

Best regards

David