1965 lower shock mount

[tim colleran]

I am having quite a bit of difficult removing the lower shock mount from my car. The shock came right off, but I can not back the mount out for replacement. I have tried the usual drenching in penetrating oil for a few days, putting the castel nut back on and "tapping with a hammer". Any other thoughts?

timC

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 lower shock mount

Tim-----

These mounts can be notoriously difficult to remove from the spindle support. First of all, they are splined on the forward end to create a very tight fit. Second, and most significant, when they suffer from years of corrosion, they become "married" to the spindle support.

I hate to use heat for anything due to "colatteral damage" that it can cause and the risk of weakening any of the metallurgy. However, in a case like these, that may be one of the few ways out.

I've also heard of folks cutting these with a Sawzall. You're still left with getting the "ends" out, though.

[tim colleran]

Re: 1965 lower shock mount

Joe, as always thanks for the response. Any suggestions on where to apply the heat and for how long. This is new ground for me.

TimC

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 lower shock mount

Tim-----

Unfortunately, the heat needs to be applied to the ears on the bearing support. This is, of course, the part you want to survive completely intact. On the other side of the coin, the bearing supports are cast of nodular iron and are not heat treated. So, damaging or weakening them is less likely. Don't use any more heat than you have to, though.

[Bill W.]

Re: 1965 lower shock mount

If you have the part off the car try fresh battery acid . it will eat the soft metal (rust) away . put it on with a glass eyedropper. use glasses & gloves .PS coca cola will also eat away rust. (use cans) Bill

[tim colleran]

Re: 1965 lower shock mount: Done

thanks for the help, a closed case after the combination of heat, oil, and a large hammer