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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Wishbone problem

Trying to remove wishbone. One of the inner pivot pins (with the locating tab) refuses to drift out. The other side popped out no problem. It seems likely that the pivot pin has welded itself to the rubber bushes. Have tried soaking it with WD40. Have used up my complete vocabulary of swear words. Have even asked it nicely. Any ideas?
Geoff Mears

Very carefully slice between the wishbone pan and mounting bracket with a grinder?

Get someone to wiggle the wishbone up and down (it must move, right?!) Whilst continuing to bludgeon it? The dual action might help.

Or set fire to the bush? :-)

Happy hunting!
Malcolm Le Chevalier

I would love to know what model & size of grinder will sneak in there - I've always failed with that, I burn the bushes out. A bit smelly and time-consuming but a pyro's delight!
David Smith

It can be difficult. The rubber bush absorbs most of the shock when you hit the pin. If you can rig up something to apply constant pressure on the pin it will be easier to break the steel/rubber bond.

I've used a ball pin extractor before now. The split wedge type favoured by Mini owners but it can make a mess of the bracket, but sometimes you have no option.

Thin cutting disc in angle grinder works as Malcolm has said.

Remember to re-assemble with some sort of grease between pin and bush. The pin won't turn due to the locking action of the shoulders on the pin. Infact, they are not supposed to turn.

Rob
MG Moneypit

Applying heat to the rubber is pretty effective. And very smelly! But it softens the rubber and breaks the bond between the rubber an the metal sleeve. Its not actually necessary to set fire to it though this may happen anyway so be prepared with some means of extinguishing it. Maybe piss on them though this could add to the fumes.
GuyW

For what it is worth, WD-40 is not a good penetrating spray. It is a water displacing spray. You really need a penetrating oil.

Clare
Clare Ravenwood

Heating/melting works well but do it outside. The smell will linger in the garage. Over here we have 4.5 inch right angle grinders that use 1/16 inch thick abrasive discs. You probably have the same available. Just watch how much you are cutting. At the worst you will cut into the wishbone that you are going to replace anyway.
J Bubela

Thanks everyone for your input. Will let you know end result in due course.
Geoff Mears

I hope that the end result is an outcome.
GuyW

Over the years I have tried using hammering, swearing, heating and combinations of these. In the end I realised that by far the quickest and simplest method is to cut through the pin using hacksaw blade. It really will only take you a couple of minutes for each cut. (Apologies in advance if my memory is failing me and it actually takes nearer five minutes per cut.) Don't forget to wrap tape around the end of the blade you are holding, and leather work gloves might be good too.

Jonathan
Jonathan Severn

Yep, I did this a month or two ago.. Hacksaw blade and welding gloves.
Buy several blades as they snap easily.
Andy Phillips (frankenfrog)

This is the hot ticket for that chore:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-10-in-Mini-Hack-Saw-15-809/100026795
Mr. S Kowznofski

Geoff

If you need any pins, let me know.
Dave O'Neill 2

Hacksaw option looks a possibility. Will give it a go tomorrow. Think I've got a spare pin - thanks for the offer though Dave.
Geoff Mears

Went with hacksaw. Patience is a requirement! Will ensure that I lubricate the replacement pins this time when I re-assemble.
Thanks for all your input.
Geoff Mears

This thread was discussed between 12/05/2017 and 18/05/2017

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