[xcbarny]

I've been trying to remove the shock on my 2007 Epic to get the shock serviced, but I can't remove the lower bolt.

I have removed the bolt next to it and the small carbon link plate, and I have removed the nut from the bolt, but I can't remove the bolt from the spherical bearing.

Is there a trick to this? I have tried knocking it out with a hammer, but it just won't budge. There doesn't seem to be anything else holding it in there, just seems to be seized inside the bearing.

Any hints would be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[gmk]

RTFM !

http://cdn.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/pdf/manuals/07_Epic_Manual-1.pdf
site 15
did you read it ?

 

[xcbarny]

Thanks gmk.

Doesn't help me unfortunately. I think the bolt (2.g) has chemically bonded the the spherical bearing (1.f)

Have tried hitting it fairly hard, but It won't move. Have also tried spraying a penetrating oil onto it to try to free it up, but still no luck.

 

[dnoyeb]

Can you heat it safely?

 

[xcbarny]

Can you heat it safely?

Well
I wouldn't want to put a blow torch to it. I did try heating the bearing with a soldering iron, but that wasn't too effective.

I might try pouring hot water on it, the steel bearing should expand more than the alu bolt.

Cheers

 

[3xv]

Use a blow dryer to heat the area of the bolt. Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[brad72]

Loctite's bond is easily broken with heat. I have quite often made a shield by drilling a hole in some scrap metal the same size as the stubborn bolt. If all goes will the bolt will protrude through the metal and can safely be heated with the blow torch without affecting the surrounding area.

Another product that could help is Loctite freeze and release spray. Doesn't cost much and won't harm anything.