ltz 400 "03" swingarm bolt...how do you get it out? the nut came off though!

 

I used a long center punch the first time I took mine out way back when. It was a pain to get out. From then on out, I've always coated it with never-seize, no problems since.

 

thanx for the reply...I just broke off a center punch...I think it was cheap (not hardened)...it seems to be trying to mushroom the end of the threads even with the nut partially on....any other ideas?

 

If you put a socket on the other side will the bolt turn? This may be a 2 man job, if you get a set of vise-grips on the head of the bolt and have the other guy turn it and pull while you smack it, that may do it. I've also read where some people actually had to cut it out with a sawz-all.
Not sure about applying heat or wiggling the swing-arm, cause the bolt goes though the cases of the engine, and you don't wanna snap one of them off! Good luck!

 

well I just came in from the garage....can't get the bolt to turn or even move...letting it soak with the blaster I sprayed several times today...spoke with a great rider and mechanic here in Mi....he also said I may have to cut it off...any other ideas out there?????

 

wow, if you can't even get the bolt to turn with a breaker bar & cheater bar attached, then I doubt pounding on it from the nut side will do anything. And I agree; if you hammer from the nut side, you'll just mushroom it and then you'll be for sure screwed. the blaster??? well, I don't know about these penetrating fluids. I don't think any of them work on the real stubborn stuff. Ford used to make a product called "Heat Rust Solvent" and i always thought it worked pretty good, but I probably never tackled the same degree of problems with it, as I do now. I think they now call it Penetrating Fluid. wouldn't want to take that fluid to the bank. Only other way I've loosened stuff that ugly is oxy/acetelyne, but if it's that close to your engine, will the heat melt rubber orings and seals, etc ?????

 

Just called the dealer in town...they haven't had any problems with one!!!....they also had no solutions except we can try and get it out$$$$$$$ I just tried an impact also....I really don't want to start cutting!

 

that just shows you where the dealers are at. I've seen your dilemna posted several times from others, so it's definitely NOT an uncommon thing. Even if you cut the head off. it sounds seized in there. So how will it come out any easier without a head on it? Seems to me you'll still have the same issue, except with a headless bolt!

 

This site is great and I really appreciate everyones feed back! saying that, I finnally got the bolt to do about a 1/4 turn, but I just stripped the head enough now whereas I don't know what to do!!!! I am taking a break to go fishing for about 2 hours... then back at it...any other siggestions are welcome!

 

Wow man, still not out yet? It's the swingarm bolt from hell!
Do you have the quad off the ground so there's no tension on the rear axle?
Well since you stripped the head, the bolt is shot, I would pull the rear plastic, air box, and shock off, try beating it out one more time, while you get someone to gently wiggle the swing-arm. If that dosen't move it, get the grinder out, and cut it!
If you go over to Z400cental.com and do a search, there's some helpful info, some who actually had to cut it out.
Oh yeah, if you have a 1/2" extension, try that to smack it.