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MG MGB Technical - MGB MK1 Sterring rack removel

Hello
Ive been trying to remove my steering rack as it needs replacing.
Looks a staight forward job to do but the problem Im having is removing the four bolts.
The two bolts that have the welded nut on the crossmember bracket are solid, they havent been off since 1967.

Ive soaked the nuts with WD40 for the last few days but cant shift them.

I was thinking of removing the radiator as this will make more room.

Any ideas please, Im 64 and my back is playing up after an hour or so.


Thanks Bob.


RR BLACKSHAW

Bob,
I don't know about this job in particular but in general ordinary WD40 is not a particular good penetrating/releasing agent. I have always had success using PlusGas, patience and time.

First if necessary prepare the area by getting the muck, crud, grease, etc. off and if there is any slice open any over-painting on the fixings.

Soak with PlusGas and leave as long as possible, at least overnight, 24 or 48 hours if you can, then try to tighten to break the rust/crud seal using the correct size appropriate tool then loosen. If this doesn't work then repeat the process, soak, leave, tighten loosen. Personally it has always worked for me - let the chemical do the hard work.

http://www.plusgas.co.uk/

Other penetrating/releasing are available, many of them are under the all encompassing WD-40 brand, Donald is so proud, so proud.

WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. -
https://www.wd40company.com/our-company/our-history/
Nigel Atkins

I’d concur with Nigel on this, ordinary WD40 doesn’t work very well for releasing things, I’ve had good results with WD40 Fast Release Penetrant.

As Nigel says, spray and wait as long as you can. It also helps if it’s something you can safely apply heat to, but be careful the release agent is flammable.

https://www.toolstation.com/wd-40-specialist-fast-release-penetrant/p20970?store=N7&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsKDKo-rc4wIVDbDtCh2qpgZsEAQYAyABEgLqGPD_BwE
R.A Davis

I must be 'lucky', all of mine on both cars have always had a coating of oil so it's not been a problem.

A small cooks blow-torch might be able to get enough heat on the exposed threads to help, bearing in mind flammability as mentioned.
paulh4

We have something called "PB Blaster" here in the states. I have found it to be a good product. However, you may have to give it a day or so with repeated applications depending on the "severity" of the rust.

Cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

A hot air gun, in very close proximity, will sometimes achieve enough expansion to do the trick, after a long soak with proper penetrating oil.
Look out for shims!
Allan Reeling

Bob
When you've finished trying all that stuff and it hasn't worked, get yourself some of this------------it's a magic freeze spray/lubricant that shifts anything instantly
Just scrape as much rubbish/paint off as you can so that it'll get in there first then give it the works around the captive nuts till it all goes freezy, give the bolts a tap on the end with a hammer and screw them out

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Loctite-LB-8040-Freeze-Release-Penetrating-Oil-Aerosol-310g-/153360097238?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0
William Revit

Sounds similar to Shock and Unlock which I didn't find very goo.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Maxed-PMSU500SC11-Shock-Unlock/dp/B00TX5DLCM#productDetails

Also Crack-it Shock Release which I haven't tried

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Maxed-PMSU500SC11-Shock-Unlock/dp/B00TX5DLCM#productDetails

PlusGas was always the stuff to use, it seemed to go AWOL for a long time

https://www.amazon.co.uk/English-Abrasives-802-10-Plusgas-Aerosol/dp/B0001P02RK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_263_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TW21G1X61B3Z5RGBXMEN
paulh4

I have been using a home brew of 50/50 acetone/atf.
All tests have shown that it's better than anything on the market.
MEK/power steering fluid is as good too.
Sandy
You can check it on the net.
Sandy
Sanders

I've tried the 50/50 acetone/atf mixture, but not had great results with it.
Dave O'Neill 2

I bought a can of Shock & Unlock once but it did nothing, I gave the can away.

That Amazon link shows a now very old (blue) can, as many sellers do, English Abrasives have not been about for at least at decade. I think the new black cans started in 2016 with Saint-Gobain taking the name and manufacture.
Nigel Atkins

The engineering works at the top of my parents street, kept a crate of Coca-Cola on hand for freeing nuts and bolts.
A better use than as a drink, in my opinion!!!
Allan Reeling

And for getting squashed flies off the windscreen.
paulh4

This thread was discussed between 30/07/2019 and 01/08/2019

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