Loctite - how open bolt?

[Jackiemohro]

First big project on our 2024 Willys: install side steps so I can get in easier.

The steps we are interested in requires to remove the body mounts - and the one closest to the engine have supposedly used red Loctite.

Not sure if they are with Loctite but what if they do? How do we open them without breaking anything?

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[dpike]

Search this, there's countless people who've snapped those bolts trying to remove them. Heat and working the bolt in and out 1/2 turn at a time seems to be the most successful way, but bolts have still been broken being easy. I went with Roam silders because I knew I'd break a bolt and they don't use the body bolts.

 

[Terrymo]

First big project on our 2024 Willys: install side steps so I can get in easier.

The steps we are interested in requires to remove the body mounts - and the one closest to the engine have supposedly used red Loctite.

Not sure if they are with Loctite but what if they do? How do we open them without breaking anything?

I followed the advice in this video by @Northridge4x4 and had no issues. YMMV.

 

[Jackiemohro]

Search this, there's countless people who've snapped those bolts trying to remove them. Heat and working the bolt in and out 1/2 turn at a time seems to be the most successful way, but bolts have still been broken being easy. I went with Roam silders because I knew I'd break a bolt and they don't use the body bolts.

I started googling and scary! I think we just find another set of sliders. Maybe I find a set that also allows to keep the rubi sliders on that we have …

 

[dpike]

Look into the Roam sliders, they look just like Lod Destroyers and are a breeze to install.

 

[Terrymo]

I started googling and scary! I think we just find another set of sliders. Maybe I find a set that also allows to keep the rubi sliders on that we have …

Or find a shop to do it and let them be accountable if a bolt does get broken.

 

[Jackiemohro]

Or find a shop to do it and let them be accountable if a bolt does get broken.

Will look into other options. Too scary ;-)

 

[driventoadventure]

If it's red Loctite - heating the bolt is about the only way you can get it out. I have heard of instances where if the bolt is vertical, you can absolutely soak it in brake cleaner for a couple days and it might come loose, but for your situation I doubt that will work.

https://www.amazon.com/Solary-Magne..._5?keywords=bolt+heater&qid=1703284021&sr=8-5 will heat the bolt for you...

This is why you use blue Loctite.

 

[Gregj]

I think Roam has been out of business for some time. Wife’s Jeep has a set but we got them many years ago. There are many options out there that don’t require removing that bolt.

Gregj

 

[ParadigmDawg]

If it's red Loctite - heating the bolt is about the only way you can get it out. I have heard of instances where if the bolt is vertical, you can absolutely soak it in brake cleaner for a couple days and it might come loose, but for your situation I doubt that will work.

https://www.amazon.com/Solary-Magne..._5?keywords=bolt+heater&qid=1703284021&sr=8-5 will heat the bolt for you...

This is why you use blue Loctite.

Now man, my 392 has red on front bolts and I just took my time.

 

[Heimkehr]

Ugh. Red thread lock. I sometimes think a prescription should be required to purchase the stuff, particularly if I'm the one that has to deal with someone else's work.

An induction heater, like the one previously linked, is well-regarded if the working end can make proper contact with the fastener(s) in question. Said differently, the user will need unencumbered access.

Otherwise, lashings of penetrating oil and patience. A 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone, properly blended, has served me well if I'm out of Aerokroil at the moment.

Alternately, torch heat and leverage. Go straight to Mapp gas; this is one instance when propane heat may not be enough.

 

[Jeep Wick]

First big project on our 2024 Willys: install side steps so I can get in easier.

The steps we are interested in requires to remove the body mounts - and the one closest to the engine have supposedly used red Loctite.

Not sure if they are with Loctite but what if they do? How do we open them without breaking anything?

I did slider steps from extreme terrain. Heat the bolts with a torch, take your time, I used a handheld propane one. Use a cheater bar on your ratchet or a long breaker bar. They come out, be careful they get hot. I put mine back in with blue loctite, it is easier to deal with. Don't cross thread them, and use the correct torque specs. You'll do great.

 

[JesseT]

First big project on our 2024 Willys: install side steps so I can get in easier.

The steps we are interested in requires to remove the body mounts - and the one closest to the engine have supposedly used red Loctite.

Not sure if they are with Loctite but what if they do? How do we open them without breaking anything?

What sliders were you looking at? I ended up ordering from White Knuckle because they're frame mounted (no messing with body bolts) and can be ordered to work with the rubi rails. They have a 6-ish week lead time so I haven't gotten them yet and can't speak to their quality, but the handful of reviews I've found have been positive.

 

[dpike]

I think Roam has been out of business for some time. Wife’s Jeep has a set but we got them many years ago. There are many options out there that don’t require removing that bolt.

Gregj

Wow.. I just searched this and you're right. I didn't realize some people had such issues with them, I've had mine for 3 years and they're still fine for me.

 

[redbeard]

Don't use an impact. Turning the bolts too fast will cause heat to build up and the constant turning in only one direction will gum up the loctite.

When I did mine, I used a 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar. I would loose about 1 full turn, then tighten about 1/2 turn. Take your time. As the bolts loosen further, you can get away with a couple loosening turns, then tighten it a bit.

The back and forth prevents the loctite from gumming up and doing it all by hand eliminates the real possibility of problems that often arise from using power tools.

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