Frozen nuts to shackle straps

**Bikesbrewsnviews** · 06-30-2023, 06:04 AM

Hello,

I have a 2019 Momentum 397TH and I noticed while lubing the slide rails one of my shackle straps had failed. I'm trying to remove the bolts to replace the straps however the bolts are frozen (both on the equalizer and the leaf springs). I've tried the usual (penetrating oil, tapping on the nut, etc.) to no avail. Has anyone had this problem before and if so, any tricks for someone not exactly mechanically inclined?

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**Ynot4me2** · 06-30-2023, 06:16 AM

Love the title, it almost sounds like it could be one of our Canadian winter pastimes. Sometimes February can get cold and long.

You could grind off one side of the bolt or use a torch to heat up the nuts.

**Bikesbrewsnviews** · 06-30-2023, 06:30 AM

Ha! I didn't even realize what I'd said until your comment. It certainly would make for an interesting sport.

I'm staying away from the torch because I don't feel like having an unwanted campfire under the rig, and cutting is a last resort since I'm nowhere near a location where replacement wet bolts are readily available. Have you had any luck with freezing?

**WhittleBurner** · 06-30-2023, 07:41 AM

Not all penetrating oils are the same, have you tried Kano Kroil?

**Redapple63** · 06-30-2023, 07:43 AM

You could also try a bit of heat too.

Bill

**Hoopy Frood** · 06-30-2023, 07:57 AM

Have you access to power tools, like an impact wrench? Or are you working with small hand tools? Long breaker bar and/or an impact wrench should break things loose.

**kb0zke** · 06-30-2023, 08:07 AM

DO NOT use a ratchet, though. You will break the internal workings. A socket on a breaker bar may work. A heavy-duty impact may also work. I'm with you on the cutting torch. No fires for me.

If you have a Sawz-all or similar tool you might try cutting one of the nuts or the bolt head (whichever is easier to get to) and see if you can get it loose that way. A hacksaw would also work, but that's a lot of elbow grease.

**FT4NOW** · 06-30-2023, 08:14 AM

Impact gun should free it up, make sure to use it on the nut side, the bolt side is knurled and almost like a press fit. I'd recommend upgrading to heavy duty shackles to prevent this happening to other shackles. It will require new bolts as well.

**powerscol** · 06-30-2023, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Bikesbrewsnviews

Hello,

I have a 2019 Momentum 397TH and I noticed while lubing the slide rails one of my shackle straps had failed. I'm trying to remove the bolts to replace the straps however the bolts are frozen (both on the equalizer and the leaf springs). I've tried the usual (penetrating oil, tapping on the nut, etc.) to no avail. Has anyone had this problem before and if so, any tricks for someone not exactly mechanically inclined?

To eco on what @FT4NOW says. Only apply the breaker bar to the nut side, and do not spin the bolt or you will have a mess, but as this is a shackle it really wont matter. Heating the nut with a small map gas touch (HD yellow cylinder) cold help.

MORryde makes an excellent wet bolt and HD shackle kit. https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=shackle+kits Includes everything you need. Just be sure to get the correct one based on your existing shackle length (2.25 or 3 1/8). I did a write up on the GD web site when I replaced my axles (6K) on a Reflection 220rk.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...de/MR46ZR.html
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lea...de/MR76ZR.html

Hope this helps