How NOT to loosen the pulley bolt ...

[HJ2]

So, here's an example how NOT to loosen the pulley bolt. For free! For all of you to have a big laugh, and self education!


As you know i am in the middle of replacing the head gasket of Peter's car.
Thus the pulley bolt had to go!

I had the wheel off, the car up in the air on my scissors lift, the plugs still in, and needed a second person to apply the brake whilst using some leverage to get the bloody thing off.

So Peter came over on a Saturday to help getting the job done. He took his place behind the wheel and put his foot on the brake. I applied some force on the bolt, there was a 'ping'! sound (as expected) and i could freely turn the lever on the pulley but.... The pulley turned also! Almost without resistance

To my shock Peter could turn the wheel on the drivers side (LHD, remember and the hub on the pulley side did... nothing!
We both seriously thought that something was ruined in the drive train, but neither of us could explain hat or why. Also: during a normal drive the forces are a whole lot bigger, so what the hell ????

Then in a bright moment i realized: No Wheel bolts!
All we did was shear the tiny bolt that holds the brake discs in position

Big relief!
Bolts back
Second attempt went flawless of course

[Simon_P]

Also: during a normal drive the forces are a whole lot bigger,

Not much bigger, and applied at the other end of the crank!

[HJ2]

Really,a lot bigger! As i did not need that much force to shear the tiny bolt that keeps the break disk in position
However, breaking loose the bolt of the pully is of another magnitude indeed!

[ovi]

There was an old experienced mechanic who wanted to help but was refused.

[HJ2]

.... to protect him from loosing an arm and his dignity

[andy b]

To remove the lower pulley bolt put a good socket on it with a long bar jam it somewhere solid and turn starter motor and its off. sounds bad but you are well geared down with the ring gear. if you have never driven one don't knock it.
I went out for a drive for the hell of it with the sun out at last fantastic.
andy b