Bicycle Mechanics - Need some quick help on seized bushings

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mcoomer
10-04-07, 05:25 AM
I have a Cannondale Prophet that I want to remove the rear shock from. There is a bolt at each end of the shock that runs through a frame mount, through a bushing, through the shock mount, through another bushing, through the second frame mount, and then a screw is threaded inside the end to hold it in place. The bolt has seized to the inside of the bushings and I can't get it loose. I've got some penetrating oil on it right now hoping that will break it loose. Has anyone used heat to free up a bolt like this? Any ideas would be apprciated.

Thanks,
Mike

seres
10-04-07, 06:58 AM
Try an air (or electric) impact wrench. If you don't have an impact wrench, tap the bolt with a hammer while you apply torque with a wrench.
tellyho
10-04-07, 07:12 AM
Breaker bar with a hammer, or just a long pipe over your regular socket wrench. The sharp force of the hammer is supposed to be good.

mcoomer
10-04-07, 10:03 AM
I ended up heating the bushings with a hot air gun and driving the bolt out with a drift punch. The bushings were seized tightly enough that they cracked before breaking free. The bike is rideable but I'm going have to order some bushings from Cannondale. Looking at the bushings I don't think they put any grease in there when they built it.