I have to replace the rear shocks on my 2WD Loyale. I'm wondering how easy it is to snap off one of those upper bolts. I've tried as best I can to get some penetrating oil onto them is preparation for the shock change. It seems that snapping one of those bolts could really ruin your day (week).

Mine were tough to get out when I did mine. I had the same concern. Just take your time and keep nudging till they move.

 

Breaking bolts is just part of the risk on these old cars.

Edited November 28, 201510 yr by Dee2

The 2 big ones at the top of the strut mount?  Those are pretty big bolts.  Oil them.  Work them slowly.  Loosen til sticking, screw back in.  Loosen again til sticking, screw back in.  Takes a good long time, and they will be hot when they come out.  The advancing of the angle will be small for a while.  If you use an air tool, the risk of snapping is higher.

 

Re install with anti seize.

On my 92 the bottom bolt needs to be attacked from inside, not from the outside the car.  The nut on the outside of the car is just welded to the crossmember.  Soak everything with penetrating oil and you will be good.

 

Good luck,

Sam

I am in the long, slow process of replacing my rear struts on my 4WD Loyale.  They are very similar to yours.

 

The lower bolts needed a 3 ft breaker bar to crack, then they were hard to get off.  The upper ones needed a 3 ft breaker bar all the way off, with a piece of pipe on the bar to crack them.  That was with spritz lube applied before and during the operation.  It was hard work.

 

I got an M12 x 1.25 tap and die to clean up the bolts and the welded-on nuts.  I hope they will go back together more easily.   Currently, I am waiting for my mechanic to assemble the springs on the new shocks, as there is nowhere in town I can borrow or even buy spring compressors.

 

I got the tap and die from KBC Tools out of Missauga.   They have an American outlet as well.  They were C$30 with shipping and taxes. I ordered them Saturday afternoon, and they were delivered by mail on Wednesday.  I would say price and quality is decent and service is awesome.

I just threw a propane torch on those top bolts till they were good and hot, then they came right out. Be careful of the fuel filler.

Thanks for that. Scary stuff but at least nobody reported snapping one off.

I sprayed bolts with the penetrating oil and used my electric impact wrench.  Did not have any problems.

 

Good luck,

Sam

Heed what somick said. The bottom bolt - remove from inside. What you're looking at on the outside is a nut welded on. I like to remove the wheel and pressure wash the area first. Then put the wheel back on and move to a dry place to work.