The Gman 476 #1 Posted September 30, 2022 Hey guys/gals, I need some brain power transferred to me. Parting out a 520 with swept axel but can't seem to get the steering joints free. The castle nuts are rusted up and the ball joint is real smooth and just spins. Don't want to lay the vise grips to the shaft unless I have to. Any help would be appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,916 #2 Posted September 30, 2022 (edited) Soak the threads with penetrant. Large pair of channel lock pliers to force (squeeze) the taper on the tie rod against plate in the first pic and the spindle arm in the 2nd pic. Use an impact gun to spin the nut off Edited September 30, 2022 by squonk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John2189 406 #3 Posted September 30, 2022 How about a nut buster? Probably borrow one from oriellies or autozone 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 10,595 #4 Posted September 30, 2022 Aren't there wrench flats on the opposite side of the arm from the castle nut? Penetrant and the impact driver (and some carefully applied heat?) are where I start. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill 633 768 #5 Posted September 30, 2022 Impact wrench. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Gman 476 #6 Posted September 30, 2022 Don't see any flats. I do have a nut buster if it comes to that but rather not. The axel is sold. Gonna soak.... soak..... and soak overnight. A little bit of heat and try again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John2189 406 #7 Posted September 30, 2022 what if you put a c clamp on the ball side of the stud and the plate Tighten it up it will/should put the stud into a bind to keep it from turning ? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,129 #8 Posted September 30, 2022 I have had amazing luck using PB Blaster on rusted nuts and bolts.Just let her soak... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 59,687 #9 Posted October 1, 2022 And remember… it took years to get rusted like that. Don’t expect minute miracles every time 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,416 #10 Posted October 1, 2022 I expect that an impact gun will have that nut off before the rod begins to spin. Left-right a few times. This, after a good wire brushing of that thread and some penetrant. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,623 #11 Posted October 1, 2022 Impact tighten first then loosen. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Gman 476 #12 Posted October 1, 2022 Success, Liquid wrench/heat...... repeat.......repeat. impact on/off/on/off/ Curse...threats... beg In that order. Channel locks/impact and off they came. Thanks one and all. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,195 #13 Posted October 1, 2022 (edited) Sorry a little late... save for next time! Another trick that has usually worked for me... Go to dollar store and pick up a couple cans of 'Electronic Duster'. When you turn the can upside down, LIQUID comes out and will act as a 'Freeze Spray' PROTECT YOUR EYES!!! After heating guddenhot, hit it with with the freeze spray. Repeat if necessary. The heating and rapid cooling usually will break the 'brown weld' Edited October 1, 2022 by Jeff-C175 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,713 #14 Posted October 1, 2022 22 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said: PROTECT YOUR EYES!!! And avoid inhaling... evidently... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31449429/ Don 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,064 #15 Posted October 1, 2022 @The Gman suggest you build that and all related steering linked / mounting points , with lucas green or red grease , made for tough spots , also do the threaded areas , build it into the set up , also do your bottom steering fan area and lower stud fit , pete 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,195 #16 Posted October 1, 2022 7 minutes ago, Snoopy11 said: avoid inhaling... evidently That pretty much goes for any of the stuff we use! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
