22mm Nut on front suspension strut bar

[mario308]

Hi

I've had an MOT advisory and need to change the rubber cushions - both sides on the front of my MR2 MK1 that are at the end of the tie-bars. Each bar is attached with a very tight 22mm nut. I've tried the usual wire brush clean up then soak in wd40 then 22mm spanner but no luck so far in shifting them.

Anyone had any experience with these 22mm ends e.g. perhaps using a blow torch/deep socket/breaker bar?

The bar's other end have -2x17mm nuts and are fine and I've got these off so half way there..

Once dismantled, anything to worry about in replacing the cushions?

Cheers,
Mario

[LimeyMk1]

Deep socket on a breaker bar is about the only thing that will shift them. Leave the two nuts on the other end done up.

Oh and get some decent penetrating oil, WD40 is pants. (Plusgas, Duck Oil or 2in1 penetrating oil)

Also if you can back off the nut behind the bushes it will help on reassembly to have some slack as the new bushes will be 'plumper' than the old ones making it a little difficult getting the two captive bolts to locate in the lower arm.

Just make a note of the position of the rear 22mm nut before you slacken it off.

[michaeljapp]

I 'cheated' on mine.

22mm deep disk socket + 24' breaker bar.
Jack the car up as high as I could at the front. Put the socket and bar onto the nut and carefully lowered the car down pushing up on the breaker bar. May not be the safest way to do it but it did work for me.

Probably just easier to buzz it off with an air gun though.

Photos that may help.

[elbon50]

I'm not a big fan of Halfords but they do keep a nice 22mm deep socket Mario

Their tools have lifetime guarantee

Their Shock & Unlock is quite a good penetrating fluid

I did my cushions last year using a set of polybushes from Peter Gidden at SBITS on here

By the way, an advisory does not mean that it will fail MoT in the future

[mario308]

Sorted!

Didn't get any specialist Plusgas etc. I used a small wire brush then WD40 & 3 in one oil overnight then used a 22mm deep socket & 2 foot breaker bar and it did the trick, picking up new rubber cushions tomorrow!

[LimeyMk1]

Good stuff.