removing air bag bolts

benherman1 · September 03, 2020, 06:03:59 PM

Hey all,
I'm working through replacing my rear air bags since they are in rough shape. I know the go to is to cut the old bolts with an angle grinder and I do that where I can but what about the ones where the angle grinder doesn't fit? What do you guys do to get them loose? I also know that when its time to do the fronts there is at least one that is recessed with a deep hole in the bottom of the rail attached to the axle. I obviously won't be fitting any sort of cutting device in there so there must be a better way. Any ideas are appreciated.

Ben

chessie4905 · September 03, 2020, 06:09:19 PM

Maybe a dremel with a cutoff blade?

benherman1 · September 03, 2020, 06:25:37 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on September 03, 2020, 06:09:19 PM
Maybe a dremel with a cutoff blade?

That's how I got to some of them. I just figure there has to be a better way than a dremel. I also used a sawzall for a couple. The Dremel also ends up getting pretty toasty and breaks a few wheels.

chessie4905 · September 03, 2020, 06:55:21 PM

Maybe a multi tool with a carbide or titanium blade. Wear ear plugs.

https://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-63113.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-63113.html

Buy some spare blades.

6805eagleguy · September 03, 2020, 06:55:50 PM

A torch is one of my very good friends under the bus.

Especially for bolts.

Pretty simple to blow bolts through the hole with a good torch

Van · September 03, 2020, 07:44:54 PM

If it won't come loose I tighten them up till they snap off YMMV

benherman1 · September 03, 2020, 08:11:12 PM

I actually bought and tried an oscillating tool. the cutter I got was a toothed metal blade. might not have been the best as it mostly just bounced around. What blades would you use?

A torch would likely make quick work of most of them but the only torch I have is oxy-propane which doesn't quite cut it for cutting.

Tightening until it breaks hadn't occurred to me yet. I might give that a go tomorrow. that will work for the one in the hole too. If it works well I might just use it on all the easy to access ones too with the impact. a 1400 lb impact will be much faster than the cutoff wheel and I wont be burning through wheels.

someguy · September 03, 2020, 11:20:09 PM

Get a nut splitter.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nut+splitter&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Torches are friggin dangerous near flammable material. There is a wooden floor and an air space above those nuts. If that ever caught on fire, it would be very difficult to put out.

An impact tool is always 5x better than applying brute torque. Add in a good penetrating oil and 80% of them will come lose. The rest will twist off.

If you have time, apply penetrating oil and test with an impact every day for a week.

benherman1 · September 04, 2020, 06:09:13 AM

Have you had any luck replacing airbag bolts with one? as far as oil goes as soon as you get the nut backed up a bit the top begins to spin. None are stuck enough that I can't make them spin. There is no floor above or anywhere near the nuts.

someguy · September 04, 2020, 07:58:45 AM

I assumed you were talking about removing a nut from a stud on the top of the bag.

Sounds like you are removing a bolt and the threaded insert inside the bag mount is spinning. You can cut the bolt with a hacksaw, chisel, grinder or torch.

A good, sharp chisel is very effective on bolts 1/2" or less.

luvrbus · September 04, 2020, 08:11:52 AM

Plasma cutter make short work of those yoo can buy one that will work good for you for under 200 bucks, oxygen and acetylene is exspensive now,I have 2 plasma cutters a real good one $$$$ and a cheap one

benherman1 · September 04, 2020, 08:20:32 AM

someguy: I think we may be talking about a different type of bag on a different type of bus. There is no threaded mount inside the bag ring. I do plan on buying an air chisel tonight that I'll have a go with.

luvrbus: Any recommendations on what kind of model to get? Sounds like a good addition to the tool box.

luvrbus · September 04, 2020, 09:04:10 AM

Quote from: benherman1 on September 04, 2020, 08:20:32 AM
someguy: I think we may be talking about a different type of bag on a different type of bus. There is no threaded mount inside the bag ring. I do plan on buying an air chisel tonight that I'll have a go with.

luvrbus: Any recommendations on what kind of model to get? Sounds like a good addition to the tool box.
[/quote

I got mine portable Plasma from Amazon for $159.00 it works good.the board went bad when I 1st got it and the out fit overnighted me one the brand I would need to look and I am not at the shop right now

Jim Blackwood · September 04, 2020, 09:13:09 AM

Actually the chisel suggestion is a good one, although a good cold chisel isn't always easy to find, and you have to have room to swing the hammer. Grind the tip of the cold chisel at an angle that is about twice as sharp as it came with (half the angle) and it'll cut a lot faster. You can use that to split the nut, maybe on both sides. With a good edge it will cut quicker than you think.

Jim

chessie4905 · September 04, 2020, 10:11:43 AM

sometimes a long cold chisel works. gets the hammer back where you can swing it. use a two pound mini sledge. a smallish hammer makes the work last twice as long.
Someguy' the air bag bolts have a partially rounded head with a bump on the underside to keep it from spinning when you install and tighten them. Old rusted ones spin the head within one or two turns.

They also make mini air operated hack saws that can work. get extra blades. Harbor Freight has them.