Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

EricOxford · 03-02-2009, 04:41 PM

I can't break loose the pinion flange bolts on my mach 1. I have tried a 12 point wrench with a cheater bar, a 3/8 dr impact wrench with 12pt socket, 1/2 dr impact with socket. I don't know what else to do. I rounded off one of the bolts with the wrench and cheater bar. I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions?

Eric

B's Azure · 03-02-2009, 04:56 PM

You might be outa luck with the rounded off one. Mine came out with a good soaking in WD-40 and a pipe extension on the end of a cheater bar.

JDraper · 03-02-2009, 06:15 PM

As said above...heat is the way to go. Ford uses threadlocker on the bolts, and heating them up will soften/liquefy it making them easier to remove.

For the rounded off one, Craftsman makes a wrench for dealing with bolts like that, but access may be an issue. You could try grinding flats on the side with a dremel and putting a flat wrench on (after you heat it up)

EricOxford · 03-02-2009, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I got all of them off not long after I made the original post. I had to soak with WD-40 and beat the wrench with a hammer to break them loose. The one that was rounded off wasnt as bad as I had orginally thought, it came off too.

Thanks again
Eric

کcяεαмιηĐεмση! · 03-02-2009, 10:36 PM

most folks don't realize it but a twin hammer impact is the ticket for tight stuff like this, regular impacts may say that they have same ft/lb's of torque but the twin hammer design is heads and tails above the rest. also they are fair inexpensive considering a good one will last a backyard mechanic his lifetime.
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...mpact%20Wrench
^ great one here, also on the heat, my only reserve is be extra careful no to heat u joint because it'll cause premature failure. i realize most folks will say duh, but some will not realize the heat will cause the grease to break down and come out.(or could cause it i should say)

R-code17815 · 03-02-2009, 11:06 PM

I use lots of PB Blaster, 12pt. wrench and, a hammer. I'm sure you can figure the rest out, hasn't failed me yet.

birdman941 · 03-03-2009, 07:19 AM

Long 12mm 12 point.
Trans in gear and parking brake on.
Climb from under car.
Use foot for leverage.
Works every time.

03-02-2009, 04:41 PM	#1
EricOxford Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Dublin, Georgia Posts: 259	Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts I can't break loose the pinion flange bolts on my mach 1. I have tried a 12 point wrench with a cheater bar, a 3/8 dr impact wrench with 12pt socket, 1/2 dr impact with socket. I don't know what else to do. I rounded off one of the bolts with the wrench and cheater bar. I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions? Eric __________________ Eric 2003 Black 03 Mach 1 T56-swap, built rearend, full bolt ons. 321/342 .... next up: ported heads, GT cams, build bottom end, fuel system, then D1SC.

03-02-2009, 04:56 PM	#2
B's Azure Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 500	Re: Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts You might be outa luck with the rounded off one. Mine came out with a good soaking in WD-40 and a pipe extension on the end of a cheater bar. __________________ First mod: chrome valve stems and caps, 'cuz they look pimp!

03-02-2009, 06:15 PM	#3
JDraper On Permanant Vacation Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: McVeytown, PA Posts: 5,015	Re: Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts As said above...heat is the way to go. Ford uses threadlocker on the bolts, and heating them up will soften/liquefy it making them easier to remove. For the rounded off one, Craftsman makes a wrench for dealing with bolts like that, but access may be an issue. You could try grinding flats on the side with a dremel and putting a flat wrench on (after you heat it up) __________________ And then one day you find, 10 years have got behind you, no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.. 18 Shelby GT 350 04 Mach 1 (Sold 9/1/2018 ) 18 Ford Explorer XLT 17 Mustang GT/CS Convertible 16 Fusion SE AWD Ecoboost 10 Fusion SE V6 66 289 Mustang Hardtop Restomod

03-02-2009, 10:21 PM	#4
EricOxford Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Dublin, Georgia Posts: 259	Re: Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts Thanks for the replies everyone. I got all of them off not long after I made the original post. I had to soak with WD-40 and beat the wrench with a hammer to break them loose. The one that was rounded off wasnt as bad as I had orginally thought, it came off too. Thanks again Eric __________________ Eric 2003 Black 03 Mach 1 T56-swap, built rearend, full bolt ons. 321/342 .... next up: ported heads, GT cams, build bottom end, fuel system, then D1SC.

03-02-2009, 10:36 PM	#5
کcяεαмιηĐεмση! Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Macon,NC Posts: 288	Re: Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts most folks don't realize it but a twin hammer impact is the ticket for tight stuff like this, regular impacts may say that they have same ft/lb's of torque but the twin hammer design is heads and tails above the rest. also they are fair inexpensive considering a good one will last a backyard mechanic his lifetime. http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...mpact%20Wrench ^ great one here, also on the heat, my only reserve is be extra careful no to heat u joint because it'll cause premature failure. i realize most folks will say duh, but some will not realize the heat will cause the grease to break down and come out.(or could cause it i should say) __________________ Philippians 4:13 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Hebrews 9:27 27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment Romans 5:20 ....................................But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

03-02-2009, 11:06 PM	#6
R-code17815 The MODfather #7046 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bloomsburg, PA Posts: 1,360	Re: Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts I use lots of PB Blaster, 12pt. wrench and, a hammer. I'm sure you can figure the rest out, hasn't failed me yet. __________________ R-code17815 2003 Mach1 6-spd. Black Black Sunshine... The never ending "Work in Progress" RTCTTFMF

03-03-2009, 07:19 AM	#7
birdman941 Torque wins! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 13,167	Re: Can't break loose the pinion flange bolts Long 12mm 12 point. Trans in gear and parking brake on. Climb from under car. Use foot for leverage. Works every time. __________________ The ORIGINAL Project R build thread is back ! 5.4 32V NA Streetable 404/387 26.56 MPG "I don't like repeat offenders, I like DEAD offenders" Ted Nugent "A big engine hardly working is more efficient than a little engine screaming its head off" Jay Leno

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