Rusty bolts

[kylebarber]

Here's the deal...I'm putting 2'' add-a-leafs, a 2'' front leveling kit, and some new shocks in my '97 ranger but it being a '97 I got some really rusty bolts. Whats the best way I could go about softening these babies up so I don't bust em all up?

 

[Shawn_248]

soak em down in PB blaster a couple of days before you start to do the work

 

[lepp1892]

PB blaster and lots of heat!

 

[kylebarber]

Okay then PB blaster it is...I'm assuming I can get it at Lowes, am I wrong? Thanks a lot I appreciate it.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Or any auto parts store, probably easier to find in them.

I've found heat to work better, preferably from an acetylene torch, but I've made do with just a propane one.

 

[harriw]

I think I may have asked this before, but while we're on topic, what are you trying to do with a torch? Are you trying to heat and expand the nut without expanding the bolt, or do you just want to heat up everything to try and crack the rust loose? Then, do you wrench away at it while it's still red-hot, or wait for it to cool first?

Finally, PB Blaster is flamable - do you just give your last "dose" of PB Blaster a day or so to dry before trying heat? Or can you just wipe it off and light 'er up (with fire extinguisher within reach)?

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[harriw]

By the way - someone in another thread suggested taking a wire brush to the exposed threads on the end of those bolts before getting started. Clean off as much of the rust as you can, so you don't have to pull it all through the nut to remove it. Sounds like a great idea to me.

Also, you want to make sure you have the best fitting socket you possibly can to avoid rounding the head (or nut). Sometimes there's too much rust on the head/nut for the proper size to slip on though. Might help to wire brush/PB Blaster the head/nut too to make sure the right size fits on properly.

 

[dangerranger83]

I've never got PB buster to catch fire for me in the years I've been using it, but I know it does have a high flash point but I havent found it yet.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I've sprayed it on when it was not exactly cherry, but dimly glowing, it just smokes alot.

I have fond it best to wrench it off while it's glowing... I actually broke a 1" box end attempting to remove a bolt. Got the whole assembly glowing bright freakin red and that bolt came out like it was freshly greased, no hits from a hammer or anything.