Stuck bolts? -Try this!

emtor · May 14th, 2018, 12:43

OK,-so I've been renewing my brakes.
After 16 years all bolts were WELDED stuck, or so it seemed.
The worst were the bolts for the caliper brackets and the nut that fastens the break lines to the hoses. I almost gave up after large amounts of WD40, a gas torch, visegrips and a large hammer. Nothing worked,- bolts wouldn't even budge.
Then I remembered something I saw on Youtube . . . Automatic Transmission Fluid and acetone. I mixed these two 50:50 and sprayed it on the bolts, waited 5 minutes and gave it a go. All bolts came loose easy as pie.

Here's the chemistry:
Rust is Iron Oxide (FeO) which reacts chemically with acetone forming Iron Carbide (FeC).
Iron carbide is super brittle and cracks when subjected to minor mechanical stress.
ATF is super penetrating and transports the acetone through the rust so that it can react.

This is no idiot tip posted on Youtube,-it actually works.
I've bought my last can of useless bull**** WD40.

druid · May 14th, 2018, 18:20

Thanks I have also seen the heat then quench trick on YouTube.

HalV40 · May 15th, 2018, 22:09

I've used Plusgas a few times with good results but this idea sounds cheaper! I'll give it a try.
I think Plusgas is kerosene based penetrating spray, much better than WD40.

GreenBrick · May 16th, 2018, 12:29

Great tip, but does it last, or do you need to mix it up as needed?

aldred309uk · May 16th, 2018, 14:42

Best to get an oil can, those 500ml pump lubricators. If you get me? Shake before use and you should be okay. ChrisFix covers this penetrating fluid in a video on YouTube if you're further interested.

emtor · May 16th, 2018, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenBrick

Great tip, but does it last, or do you need to mix it up as needed?

It will last, but it needs a good shake before use as ATF and acetone don't mix.
Keep it away from painted surfaces and rubber. Acetone eats away paint and ATF eats away rubber.

baldmosher · May 19th, 2018, 10:25

Cover your hoses and CV and ARB boots then!

May 14th, 2018, 12:43	#1
emtor Member Last Online: Apr 4th, 2024 19:44 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Kalix	Stuck bolts? -Try this! OK,-so I've been renewing my brakes. After 16 years all bolts were WELDED stuck, or so it seemed. The worst were the bolts for the caliper brackets and the nut that fastens the break lines to the hoses. I almost gave up after large amounts of WD40, a gas torch, visegrips and a large hammer. Nothing worked,- bolts wouldn't even budge. Then I remembered something I saw on Youtube . . . Automatic Transmission Fluid and acetone. I mixed these two 50:50 and sprayed it on the bolts, waited 5 minutes and gave it a go. All bolts came loose easy as pie. Here's the chemistry: Rust is Iron Oxide (FeO) which reacts chemically with acetone forming Iron Carbide (FeC). Iron carbide is super brittle and cracks when subjected to minor mechanical stress. ATF is super penetrating and transports the acetone through the rust so that it can react. This is no idiot tip posted on Youtube,-it actually works. I've bought my last can of useless bull**** WD40.

May 14th, 2018, 18:20	#2
druid V40 Owner Last Online: Dec 13th, 2020 01:28 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tonyrefail, Souh Wales. View Photos By: druid	Thanks I have also seen the heat then quench trick on YouTube. __________________ *An MS Warior living one day at a time* "Neville" 207,000 so far. Water use 0 - oil negligible....

May 16th, 2018, 12:29	#4
GreenBrick SilverBrick Lives! Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 19:06 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Poynton, Cheshire	Great tip, but does it last, or do you need to mix it up as needed? __________________ Jeep ZJ, 960, Past:- Mazda2, Jumbuck, V70 (2002), 945 (1995), Hyundai Coupe, Golf Mk4, Previa, Carina, 2 x Corsa, 4 x Astra, 944 16v (1991), Espace, Escort, Audi 80, Renault 21 Savanna, Polo, Mini Clubman/Pickup, Standard 8, Capri, Maxi.

May 16th, 2018, 14:42	#5
aldred309uk Member Last Online: Apr 20th, 2021 22:33 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Blackburn	Best to get an oil can, those 500ml pump lubricators. If you get me? Shake before use and you should be okay. ChrisFix covers this penetrating fluid in a video on YouTube if you're further interested. __________________ Phase 2 1.9tdi V40

May 19th, 2018, 10:25	#7
baldmosher moshmobile driver Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2023 16:07 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Warrington View Photos By: baldmosher	Cover your hoses and CV and ARB boots then! __________________ baldmosher™ Drives: 63 V60 R-Design Lux Nav P* 106K Kill List: 07 S40 SE Sport D5 120K V40 SLux 1.9D 306K V40 S 1.9D 152K VW T4 LDV Pilot Golf GL 1.9TD Saxo 1.1i Fiesta 1.0 Pop

May 15th, 2018, 22:09	#3
HalV40 Junior Member Last Online: Sep 27th, 2020 17:45 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Lichfield	I've used Plusgas a few times with good results but this idea sounds cheaper! I'll give it a try. I think Plusgas is kerosene based penetrating spray, much better than WD40.

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