Dear Mike,
I recently brought my car in for repairs and my mechanic informed me that he ran into issues with rusted and seized bolts. He said it added hours to the job and I ended up paying more than I anticipated. Are there any tips or tricks for dealing with this issue? Is there anything I can do to prevent it from happening in the future?
Sincerely,
Bridgette
Hey Bridgette,
Rusted and seized bolts can be a real pain, especially when they add extra hours to your repair job, and extra dollars to your bill. Fortunately, there are tools out there that make the process easier for you and your mechanic. One such tool is the Bolt Buster – a flameless handheld induction tool that we use at Urban Automotive.
The Bolt Buster uses magnetic fields to react with metal, making it the perfect tool for dealing with rusted and seized nuts, bolts, bearings, gears, pins, and more. Unlike a torch with an open flame, which can be dangerous because it can ignite flammable materials like gasoline, the Bolt Buster heats only the metal it’s in contact with.
Here’s how it works: when metal is heated, it expands. By applying the Bolt Buster to a seized nut or bolt, you’re able to create differential thermal expansion, which helps the metal grow away from the stud and allows you to loosen the metal fastener. Once you activate the tool, usually in under 30 seconds, the nut or bolt will be glowing red hot and ready for removal.
So, to answer your question, yes, there are tools that can make removing rusted and seized bolts easier and faster. You can ask your mechanic if they have a Bolt Buster or similar tool in their arsenal.
As for preventing rusted and seized bolts from happening in the future, there are a few things you can do. Lubrication is key – make sure to use an anti-seize compound or oil on fittings and bolts before they’re installed. This will help prevent corrosion and rust. If your car is exposed to road salt and other corrosive elements, consider washing it regularly and having your undercarriage treated with a rust inhibitor.
Finally, if you’re planning any DIY repairs at home, make sure you have the right tools for the job and don’t force anything that isn’t budging. That’s when bolts tend to break, which can create an even bigger headache than a seized bolt.
I hope this advice helps you in the future, and remember, if you ever run into any automotive issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Urban Automotive – the top Google rated auto repair shop in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Drive safe and keep on rolling!
Mike Urban, Founder, Urban Automotive