All Because of this bloomin' bolt... changing P Gasket

It's almost embarrassing how small the problem is but I guess it's big enough to keep the car out of action for a fortnight.

I was supposed to change the P Gasket and all went well up until the moment when I hit a stubborn bolt. When I remove the steering pump, there are 3 bolts underneath. It's the long one with size 10 head behind the alternator and size 13 nut under the steering pump.

I've soaked it in WD40 for a fortnight and tried every tool that I have at my disposal.

I could possibly give up and continue as usual (because the P Gasket wasn't leaking) or

...find somebody from Bournemouth or Poole to come an help me. So if you have a good size breaker bar or a trick up your sleeve, please let me know.

In all honesty I think I will have to cut the nut off but it is going to be a hell of a task to find a replacement...

WD 4o is often used as release oil but it isnt the best. Try plus gas.

Also try hitting the head of the bolt for a few times with a decent hammer, this can free it. Try also just slightly tightening it first to start it moving. A 6 sided socket will be far better than a normal 12 for a tight bolt. If it's a nut and bolt there is no harm in shearing it, other than finding a replacement.

Good luck......

Think yourself lucky its not a blind bolt into the block - I sheared one of those through driving with it loose and ended up having it spark eroded out .

If hammer , heat with as hot a gas torch as you got or penetrating oil dont get it .......

....Just shear the bastard and replace with a long M8 . If really stuck DIY stores stay open late , get a bit of M8 studding and some nylocks and washers for the time being and replace ASAP with correct part .

By the way , diesel can be a useful penetrating oil .

By the way , diesel can be a useful penetrating oil .

Click to expand...

:clap2:

Yep had forgotten that. Probably all plus gas is just 10 times the price!!!!

Yeah , I usually forget about it till afterwards ! Other useful penetrating oils can be made by using petrol as a carrier - mix petrol and whatever weight of oil you want to leave behind , say gear oil f'r'instance , spray bottle it on and the petrol evapourates leaving the other behind , mostly anyway !

yup-I have a spray bottle of my bio in the drivers door pocket for such things-better lube than derv

If you can get a 6 sided socket on it with a small breaker bar or unloved rachet, try tap the bar/rachet with a hammer while you are pulling against it to undo the nut.