How to remove these bolts RESOLVED

[4uall]

The backside nuts seem to be either impossible to reach or stripped. How are these (front) removed?

[v6spider]

Have you tried just loosening the nuts? The bolts are held in place by the plate. I have seen this before. You should be able to reach them by turning the wheel sharp right or left depending on which side. If the nuts are rusted solid you may have to cut them off and get new ones.... Just a thought....

Rob

[4uall]

(See above)The backside nuts seem to be either impossible to reach or stripped

Was hoping to avoid cutting, oh well

[htchevyii]

It is possible to get to the nuts, I don't remember what tool I used or if anything else in the way had to be removed. They can't be turned from the front, so if stripped beyond repair, I guess you'll be cutting.

[RRoller123]

The flat sided nuts are kept from turning by the raise lip on the sheetmetal, but they will rotate right through the lip and cause damage if the bolts are really on there! Ask me how I know this.... I had to put a BA vice grip on these nuts and restrain them from turning while loosening the bolts on the other side. Yes, rotate the steering all the way in or out and you can get at them. May take dual BA vice-grips to break 'em loose.

[4uall]

Am I able to cut these off then replace with regular bolts? What do you guys think is the best cutting tool for bolts etc I have used a sawzall but I was thinking a Dremel may be better for the smaller spaces. I am sure I will be cutting more as time goes on

[azruss]

sears sell some small cutoff wheels to fit a dremel . think they are about 3/4" in diameter and come in a variety of thickness. the really thin ones are fragile and require a steady hand but are awesome cutters. You will need to modify the heads of the new bolts to match the old ones.

[westy64]

The backside nuts seem to be either impossible to reach or stripped. How are these (front) removed?

Jay,
I know you don't have much time, but you should wait for a few more advises before cutting, as it is obvious they where factory mounted according a procedure that we do not understand currently.
You should ask djape77 who seem to have a great experience in fiat mechanic and fiat parts.

[spider2081]

I seem to recall using a punch to flatten the little ridge near the flat side of the bolt head and forcing a 6 point socket on the bolt head. I also used a 6 point socket on the nut. Heat and PB blaster help a lot.

[djape1977]

there's nuts on the backside, as you have figured out already. remove everything you need to remove in order to get to these nuts with regular socket wrench.
i haven't really bothered with these. if they won't let go, i just replace the whole hub assembly since it's the same as on lada and they're plentyfull in my part of the world

[4uall]

@westy64 I am going to invest in a heater for the garage so now there is no rush at all I thought I saw a post by blurple where he had repainted it There has to be an easier way. I may just cut once I have found replacement nuts

[4uall]

[4uall]

After looking on YouTube, then going to Home Depot to talk tools etc. I decided that rather than throw money, tools etc at it I would try one more time by myself to tackle these friggin bolts Well I guess I was more determined than I thought. The reason they were not coming off is that someone had folded over the bracket on the bolts SOB! Used a punch & chisel to correct the issue

SUCCESS



Now, how do I push the bolts through

[redcars]

Those bent over brackets on the nuts are called locking tabs and are bent over to prevent the nuts from coming loose and ruining you day while you are crusing down the road.

[djape1977]

remove the hub from balljoints. hammer out the bolts. no other way to do it, it was intended to be done that way