NEVER drive the pinch bolt out or in!
Two larger heavy duty spring washers on the inner end of the solid
axle pull with a substantial amount of force against the pinch bolt.
The pinch bolt is all that holds the trailing arm and accompanying
brake and wheel components from coming off the solid axle. The bolt
lines up as an interference fit in a circular groove near the axle
end. Same setup on both front and rear suspension.
To remove a trailing arm it is necessary to either: 1) remove the
entire solid axle axle assembly and relieve the spring tension using
the large adjusting nuts, or 2) remove the grease fitting on the end
of the solid axle and use a rather special puller to pull on the axle
against the trailing arm to overcome the spring pressure so the pinch
bolt can then be slid out. Need to use the same puller technique to
reinstall the pinch bolt.
Just so happen to be performing this maintenance right now rebuilding
the front end with new brass bushings and tie rod ends.
Ken Chambers, CA
'64 Red
On Apr 25, 2008, at 9:35 PM, Tedredamphi wrote:
Quote:
> What is the story on the swing arm pinch bolt (4-20-11) that Hugh
> Gordon is referring to in his latest weekend special? "Never touch
> it! Never remove it!" is what he says, but why? Couldn't come up
> with an explanation by searching the archives.
> Thanks,
> Ted
>
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