Trailing arms reverse thread?

[tundrawolf]

Hello,

I am switching to dual spring plates, and I am trying to take my trailing arms off. I bought the 17MM tool because I didn't think the bolt would work, and I was right. But now I am wondering if I am going the wrong way. I am using a 3/8" drive Craftsman wrench and I feel like I am almost going to its breaking point.

I am working on the drivers side and I am going counter clockwise. Are they reverse thread or are they just really really difficult?

[beetlenut]

Probably just really difficult, specially if they've never been out. They are both normal thread, (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey). Use some heat, PB Blaster, and a good solid wack with a hammer straight down on the head to break the rust bond.

[Cusser]

Use a 1/2 inch breaker bar, and slip a pipe over the end if needed for extra leverage. Wear safety glasses.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[mondshine]

The bolt has some axial grooves in its head to allow you to peen the area around the bolt head into the groove to lock the bolt in place.
If you can relieve this with a pointed punch, it will simplify removing the bolt.
Photo:

Keep track of how the washers are located for re-assembly.
Good luck, Mondshine

[Bruce]

[vw_hank]