Stubborn wiper nut

[RichardS]

Any tips on removing the stubborn chrome nuts from the wiper shaft?

I've tried penetrating oil but the nuts are stuck fast. I can get a reasonable grip on the wiper wheel boxes [as the dash is out] to stop them moving but reasonable [and extreme!] force with a ring spanner on the nut is not having any effect.

Richard

[John Larkin]

I bought one of these
http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp? ... ostSubcat=

John Larkin

[garyeanderson]

Hi Richard
Most come off easilly some are stubborn (fused, dis-similar metal) as yours appears to be. After waisting an hour or so and not getting anywhere I resort to a hack saw or wiz wheel and just replace it as its not worth the time. Its tough to put any sort of heat into it without damaging the fiberglass. Did you try to tighten it first?

Gary

[nebogipfel]

Yes cut them off and fit new ones, they're cheap enough

[RichardS]

Is the thread that the nut screws onto attached to the wheel box? I am a bit concerned I might damage the thread as I attack the nut with a hacksaw! Is it just a case of being very careful?

Richard

[garyeanderson]

The hole unit is junk get a new one. If you were to get the nut off the threads come off with the nut.

[RichardS]

Gary

The picture of the assembly is not very informative in my workshop manual. Will I have to replace the whole wiper wheel box [these are quite expensive at at ?50 a pair altho in the scheme of things a minor expense!] or would I just need the wiper bezel kit?

Richard

[garyeanderson]

Richard
I don't know the reason that you are trying to remove it. If its broken then it needs to come off without damaging the fiberglass around it (not adding to the stress cracks) Generally the only other reason to pull them off it to paint the Elan, if your worried about ?50 now, put it back together and sell it. It only gets worse.

Gary

[RichardS]

Gary

Thet need to come off for a respray. It looks as though I will have to get the hacksaw out. I don't think I'll sell up just yet!

Richard

[HardTop]

no real lotus owner spends money unless absolutely neccessary, you need it for thr other cases.

Try a nut spliter one may just fit. it may need adjusting with a grinder
This would exert no load on the body shell

Dremel cutting disk but you would only be able to weaken the nut because you don't wish to damage the threaded shaft. You would need to be very careful it doesn't skid off onto the shell

Perseverance and patience

[RichardS]

no real lotus owner spends money unless absolutely neccessary, you need it for thr other cases.

Try a nut spliter one may just fit. it may need adjusting with a grinder
This would exert no load on the body shell

Good idea - I found this which may do the trick. http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp? ... gineToolsI agree with your sentiments - although I am not restoring to totally original it is nice to keep as many of the old bits as possible and practical.

Richard

[alexblack13]

Hi Richard,
No one near you can borrow a nut splitter from? I will lend you one if need be...

I would carefully use a junior hack. Nip off one of the corners of the nut. You will no doubt just 'graze' the threads on the box but if it is just a little damage it will not matter at all. Just clean up the threads (Thread file?) carefully 'till a new nut will run down them without prob's. you should get away with this no bother. Give the system a good clean and check whilst it is out. Best to replace any suspect bits now whilst easy to do. Bugger of a job on complete car!!

Good luck either way. Let me know if you need a splitter sending down.

Alex B

[RichardS]

Thanks Alex

Yes _ I thought as well as removing for the respray I can see that it is much easier to check and service the wiper bits now rther than when everything is back.

Thanks for the offer of the nut splitter - there are some on Ebay for a fiver so I might as well buy one! Looks the neatest solution for finishing off the pesky nuts.

Richard.

[robcall]

Took mine out today-not something you really want to force.
Like Richard I had one stuck fast -but tightening/loosening the nut managed to free It.
Now-getting the passenger washer nozzle out (and back in) without removing the dash

[RichardS]

Now-getting the passenger washer nozzle out (and back in) without removing the dash

That was the easy bit for me - but I have the dash half out!!

Have bought a nut splitter on Ebay so will report back if it works.

Richard