[HDmstng]

I'm in the process of removing the power steering cylinder on my 318 (serial#324096) and having a heck of a time with the bolt going through the ball joint. I tried a 15/16" wrench on the nut and it started rounding off the corners. A 7/8's was definitely too small, but could this be metric, 24mm? I did have a shallow 24mm socket that seemed to fit much better on the nut. Unfortunately the bolt protruded far enough down that I couldn't use the ratchet so I'll need to pick up a deep well socket. Just not sure if it is 24mm or 15/16.

I've been hitting the bolt with PB Blaster as well.

Thanks,
HD

 

[rhenning]

You could look the bolt up on www.jdparts.com and that will tell you the size but I would bet it is metric. Roger

 

[HDmstng]

Think I found it. I saw a bolt, "M16 X 65" and dismissed since I was looking for an 24mm head. But upon further investigation, an "M16x65" hex bolt is a 24mm and the bolt shaft is 16mm.

 

[coalminer16]

That is correct. Make sure you use the 12 point side of the wrench if at all possible on both ends (6 point is even better). Don't use the open end. I have known a couple others on here that have had to cut that bolt due to rust in the ball itself. Good luck-they are tight.

 

[HDmstng]

Was able to finally get them off, took about a 2' extension on my 1/2" driver to get the nut to turn. Was putting some torque on the cylinder trying to loosen the bolt and was afraid I might bend it. But fully retracting the cylinder helped to alleviate that.

There was some rust on the bolts, but I think the main culprit was the blue threadlocking compound on the nuts. Will go ahead and replace both the bolts and nuts since they were rusted somewhat and the one nut was rounded.

The specs call for M16x65, but may go for a slightly shorter bolt, say 55 or 50mm as the rear was a pain to remove as there was some interference from the seat pan and or lever.

Now it's off to Alan for a rebuild!