ideas to solve pinch bolt problem once and for all
#21
my experience is using tons of anti seize on the bolt and CA balljoint then smearing high viscosity grease (bearing grease works) over any open area on the pinchbolt. i did that and had no problem for 8 months. i had to remove the pinch bolt after the 8 month marker so i can't say how long it is good for. however i had absolutely no problem getting it out at 8 months
#22
Although it hasn't been long I would like to report my stainless pinch bolt came right out when I installed my coilovers. If anyone has problems with the pinch bolt id recommend getting stainless
#24
I went all over, like home depot, and no one had one. I was gonna try fastenal but they weren't open on Sundays. So I tried the local hardware store, a hardware hank, and they had the exact bolt, only the threads were different. Other than that it was the exact same
only thing is they cost 15$ for two bolts and two nuts, but it will be worth it if it comes out easy. I should say I also took the extra precaution of using antiseize.
only thing is they cost 15$ for two bolts and two nuts, but it will be worth it if it comes out easy. I should say I also took the extra precaution of using antiseize.
#25
happy to report my stainless pinch bolts popped right out even after being in for almost a year. i had to put brake pads in (went with red stuff), so i tried taking the pinch bolts out. the drivers side i moved it with a couple light taps of a hammer, and the passanger side i had to remove completely to so i could change a wheel bearing. again, came right out. for future reference, the pinch bolt is size m10x100. i cant remember the pitch, whether it is 1 or 1.25, but i do know that i used one greater pitch, meaning either 1.25 or 1.5. either way, stainless did the trick. i recommened this to anyone living in the northern half of the country. I will let you know that some people will worry about the hardness of stainless compared to stock bolt. normally when i take out stock pinch bolts, they are all rusty corroded and are usually bent. the stainless came out rather clean and straight. i did put antiseize on them first but i didnt this time to see if it makes a difference. will update this thread again next time i remove them
#26
another update- the stainless pinch bolts seem to be a great alternative to the stock ones. a few months ago i installed new control arms. i got new pinch bolts in the kit and they are currently sitting on top of my beer fridge. the stainless bolts are here to stay.
#28
But seriously. The cost of the two bolts is totally worth it considering the cost of drill bits and broken breaker bars, phones, hands, and relationships.
#29
I've owned and worked on B5's for 12 years now. Early on, I had a few major pinch bolt fights too. Now I used anti-seize on the pinch bolt, the alignment bolt in the rear trailing arm, and the eccentric bolt at the bottom of the rear suspension. I too live in MN where there's salt on the roads 5 months/year, and I never have a problem. I'm sure stainless is an answer too, but every time I take off one of those bolts, I anti-seize the bastards.
It works.
It works.
#30
I was going to say stainless, but someone beat me to it lol. I had to replace both knuckles on mine after not being able to get that stupid bolt out. When I rebuilt the front end I used stainless bolts every where purchased at ACE hardware. Seems to work great, thou its only been about 7 months, I have taken I apart a few times without issues. Good luck!