Removing front bolt from leaf springs

BigOL3 · 01-17-2019, 09:14 PM

Several weeks back I got new HD rear leaf springs for the DS. I had the left side all loose except for the front bolt. Getting the nut off was no problem, but the bolt would not budge, even after hitting with a hammer. I had no idea how I was going to get it out, other than with a cutting torch, and was leery of doing that on aluminum frame. After doing a search on youtube, I found the magic trick of how to remove it. I cut the head of the bolt off with a Metabo disc, removed the nut, and added washers over the threaded end, then tighten the nut back down. At first it did not move any, but after a couple of times, it broke loose. I keep adding washers and retightening the nut, little by little it came out until I was finally able to use a punch and hammer to finish it up. I only got the right side done today, hope to do the left side tomorrow.

BigOL3 · 01-17-2019, 09:19 PM

Pics

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

BigOL3 · 01-17-2019, 09:20 PM

More

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

NoleFan4Ever · 01-17-2019, 09:30 PM

If you have some kroil, soak it down tonight and it may go easier tomorrow.

Good Job!

BigOL3 · 01-17-2019, 09:47 PM

I tried that 3 weeks ago. I was thankful to find the 'trick' that worked!

Golferdave · 01-17-2019, 09:55 PM

Thanks for the trick/tip : thumb:
...
Is there bushings on the front bolt?
Am due a bushing kit, have never looked on the front bolt ...

BigOL3 · 01-17-2019, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golferdave

Thanks for the trick/tip : thumb:
...
Is there bushings on the front bolt?
Am due a bushing kit, have never looked on the front bolt ...

Yes, bushings and sleeve.

Dlab · 01-17-2019, 11:13 PM

The best trick is to just spin the bolt with a high speed drill for a few minutes then knock it out.......the friction releases the rust, the speed/heat expands the mount to where the bolt can be knocked out.

It works

Fairtax4me · 01-18-2019, 12:42 AM

Easy enough on electric carts. Gas carts are a bit more difficult. The engine is in the way so you can’t swing a hammer on them unless you actually take the engine out.

Usually an impact gun used to spin them around for 20 seconds or so gets them to budge, but I have had a few that the sleeve was totally siezed to the bolt and just spun with the bolt. Those got the 4lb hammer... after the engine was out.

Allmanac · 01-18-2019, 08:15 AM

I had the same problem when I replaced the bushings on my leaf springs. I had to cut the bolts on mine but found that cutting the bolt on the inside of the bracket next to the old bushings would let the spring just slide out and then used a punch to tap the ends of the bolts out.

01-17-2019, 09:14 PM	#1
BigOL3 Gone Wild Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Deep, deep in the heart of Dixie, Kentwood, La. Posts: 443	Removing front bolt from leaf springs Several weeks back I got new HD rear leaf springs for the DS. I had the left side all loose except for the front bolt. Getting the nut off was no problem, but the bolt would not budge, even after hitting with a hammer. I had no idea how I was going to get it out, other than with a cutting torch, and was leery of doing that on aluminum frame. After doing a search on youtube, I found the magic trick of how to remove it. I cut the head of the bolt off with a Metabo disc, removed the nut, and added washers over the threaded end, then tighten the nut back down. At first it did not move any, but after a couple of times, it broke loose. I keep adding washers and retightening the nut, little by little it came out until I was finally able to use a punch and hammer to finish it up. I only got the right side done today, hope to do the left side tomorrow.

01-17-2019, 09:19 PM	#2
BigOL3 Gone Wild Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Deep, deep in the heart of Dixie, Kentwood, La. Posts: 443	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs Pics Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

01-17-2019, 09:20 PM	#3
BigOL3 Gone Wild Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Deep, deep in the heart of Dixie, Kentwood, La. Posts: 443	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs More Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

01-17-2019, 09:30 PM	#4
NoleFan4Ever MOD of all BS! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 17,477	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs If you have some kroil, soak it down tonight and it may go easier tomorrow. Good Job!

01-17-2019, 09:47 PM	#5
BigOL3 Gone Wild Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Deep, deep in the heart of Dixie, Kentwood, La. Posts: 443	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs I tried that 3 weeks ago. I was thankful to find the 'trick' that worked!

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

01-17-2019, 09:55 PM	#6
Golferdave Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Alaska/SoCal Posts: 549	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs Thanks for the trick/tip : thumb: ... Is there bushings on the front bolt? Am due a bushing kit, have never looked on the front bolt ...

01-17-2019, 11:13 PM	#8
Dlab Gone Wild Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 373	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs The best trick is to just spin the bolt with a high speed drill for a few minutes then knock it out.......the friction releases the rust, the speed/heat expands the mount to where the bolt can be knocked out. It works
Dlab Gone Wild Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 373

01-18-2019, 12:42 AM	#9
Fairtax4me Bonafide Nincompoop Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Charlottesburg Va Posts: 8,987	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs Easy enough on electric carts. Gas carts are a bit more difficult. The engine is in the way so you can’t swing a hammer on them unless you actually take the engine out. Usually an impact gun used to spin them around for 20 seconds or so gets them to budge, but I have had a few that the sleeve was totally siezed to the bolt and just spun with the bolt. Those got the 4lb hammer... after the engine was out.

01-18-2019, 08:15 AM	#10
Allmanac Getting Wild Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Hampstead North Carolina Posts: 140	Re: Removing front bolt from leaf springs I had the same problem when I replaced the bushings on my leaf springs. I had to cut the bolts on mine but found that cutting the bolt on the inside of the bracket next to the old bushings would let the spring just slide out and then used a punch to tap the ends of the bolts out.

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
Front Leaf Springs	Gas EZGO
HD Front leaf springs	Electric Club Car
WTB Front leaf springs 96 EZ GO	Golf Carts and Parts
front leaf springs	Gas EZGO
Front leaf springs	Electric EZGO