How to heat up a bolt without damaging stuff around it
How to heat up a bolt without damaging stuff around it
I am working on my integra's front suspension, but 3 bolts are rust welded. My impact gun managed to get one off, but the others wont budge. I hit them so much that the impact bit got too hot to the touch. Sprayed with penetrating fluid, hit it with a hammer etc.
My only other option is heat, but the problem is, that it's a wheel well and it traps heat, not to mention there is a brake hose which is very close to the area I will be heating.
How can I contain my propane torch heat to this specific bolt without damaging other areas?
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Which bolts? can you remove the part they are stuck in? Might be a lot more work but way better than a car fire in a garage
Barring that what about the mats that plumbers use when using a torch to solder copper pipes in the walls?
Whats that?
https://www.amazon.com/Inch-High-Felt-Plumber-Store/dp/B01NAJZT8Z
You can find it at big box hardware stores usually with the torches and plumbing supplies
Here’s an example of how it works
They do get hot… just very slowly.
I am unable to remove the part without removing the bolts:
Looks like a tough one, don't forget you may be able to cut and replace the bolts. I would try a sledgehammer and a metal rod to knock them loose, maybe let it soak in penetrating oil for a few days if you can spare the time. I've never had luck with heat but I also don't use a real torch. Also, although it would be an insane thing to do, you may be able to remove the lower control arm and the shocks in one piece to get better access to those bolts (aaand the axle looks like it would have to come with it)
Access isn't that bad, just worried about melting the brake hoses. Hitting it with a sledge? I don't have space for a sledgehammer down there lol, but a hammer didn't help much. I will try cleaning them up a bit, use different penetrant, hit it again with impact and heat
But I am looking for options on how to protect from heat
Good luck! I usually let my vehicle sit taken apart wayyy too long when I get to that point. I'm interested in what else is posted, I usually just don't use that much heat because I'm afraid to melt stuff.