Technical Nut & bolt issue

[fiatpuntodriver]

Hi guys. I am in the process of replacing the shocks on my mk2 and am having an 'issue' with one of the bolts holding the bottom of the strut to the top of the swivel head. As usual three of the bolts (doing both sides) came out fine, but one of them is rusted up to high heaven. After several hours with a hammer (nut well rounded by this stage) I got fed up with it and got the grinder out and chopped it off. Anyway, I am now struggling to find a new nut and bolt. All of the local car supply shops dont have any and the breakers wont sell them seperatly. With all the stress that occurs down there, I imagine they are somee kind of high tensile steel? Any ideas?

 

[dumbledore]

If you are desperate and can't wait to get one from a dealer. take one of the good bolts to your local B&Q and buy a bolt same diameter and length together with a nut. When you swapping the struts lift both wheels from the floor, otherwise there is too much pressure on the bolts and they don't come out or in easily. This is most likely the reason why you had to cut the bolt in the first place.

 

[fiatpuntodriver]

The front of the car is restng on axle stands so there was no pressure on the bolts at all. The bolt in question was the lower bolt on the damaged unit. I suppose it could have been a build up of oil and the rubbish it attracts. Il try the dealer today, if not then B&Q. Thanks for your help.

 

[fingers99]

Fluffy will have a replacement

 

[tinytim]

These are high-tensile bolts; would not trust any others....