...got a slight problem...got fender back from painters...put it on to see how it all fit and looked...went to take off last of four bolts and came out about half and inch and dead stopped...all bolts went on very easy and the first three came off easy also...the last bolt even turned easy until as i said just stopped daed...tried to tighten it back up but will only do a quarter turn then it stops dead too...any ideas on what has happened and any ideas on fixing the problem

 

cross threaded or galled? Try some PB blaster and see if it comes out.

 

I will try that thanks

 

Stainless steel can unpredictably sustain galling (cold welding). Stainless steel self-generates an oxide surface film for corrosion protection. During fastener tightening, as pressure builds between the contacting and sliding, thread surfaces, protective oxides are broken, possibly wiped off, and interface metal high points shear or lock together. This cumulative clogging-shearing-locking action causes increasing adhesion. In the extreme, galling leads to seizing - the actual freezing together of the threads. If tightening is continued, the fastener can be twisted off or its threads ripped out.

This can happen with any fastener but is common with SS. Lubricating the threads with a moly type lubricant can help prevent this. (I have found loctite also works well)If the PB blaster won't penetrate it I would try lightly heating it but be careful. If that doesn't work drill it out being careful not to destroy the threads in the hole. Then chase the threads with a new bolt or tap. DO NOT twist the head of the fastener off.

If the threads in the strut are fubared than you have 2 choices:

1. replace the strut
2. drill out the strut threads and use a longer bolt with a backing fastener being mindful of the clearances with the tire. If you do this be sure to use blue loctite on assembly

 

thanks for such a detailed explanation never knew that about stainless steel...will try and see how those ideas work..appreciate the inof it helped me to understand better

 

try some heat and some lube. If it does come out most likely the threads will be fubar. I would install a helicoil and call it a day. Andy

 

A new strut might be less expensive than a helicoil kit.... Especially if you order one from Zanotti's or Chicago HD. If you already have the kit then that would be an easy fix.

 

thanks for the advice...