Removing bolts from 108 alloys

[raymond.harper]

I just acquired a set of 108s but need to dismantle them. To undo the bolts, I have bought the spline and also have an impact wrench, 40 nms. Should I try to use this instead of a simple ratchet?

 

[firebobby]

I would give a good dose of penetrating fluid into each bolt hole and leave it to soak for a day or two.

 

[Zedebee]

Also worth giving the spline a good vertical whack with a hammer before ratcheting.

If you snap any bolts, I have a bunch of spares you can have for £1 each plus postage.

It’s quite time consuming splitting the wheels, but very satisfying if it goes well.

 

[raymond.harper]

Thanks, everyone! It was not the dog of a job I was expecting. They had been soaked in penetrating for three days, got the special spline from Amazon, used a bit of heat beforehand, and gave them all a good whack. Unfortunately, my expensive Christmas present of a wrench could do nothing to move them so used an ordinary ratchet. Got them all off apart from one, the inside head had been rounded. The 10mm would not fit but I persuaded a six-spline bit with the aid of a hammer to go into it. Bit surprised by how soft the bolt was, anyway it spun loose with no problem! Needless to say, I will have to take up the offer of replacement bolts! Thanks for all your help.

 

[j3nks79]

Good work Ray. Making it look to easy

 

[raymond.harper]

Good work Ray. Making it look to easy

Thanks! However, the last wheel was about as easy as a nuclear war! Four bolts were stuck solid so I drilled the heads off, cobalt drills were the only ones that would cut the titanium. Then the wheel would not separate, so I bought a "dead head" hammer and managed to split it. Heated the broken studs and the surroundings for about five minutes, cooled them with Plus gas, and with some mole grips managed to remove them. Could have used half M7 nuts but they were £5. So now all ready to send off to be painted. A bit of a trial but feeling very satisfied!

 

[j3nks79]

Wow I wouldn’t have stood a chance doing this at the moment. Hats off to you mate

 

[Zedebee]

Well done Ray, great perseverance.