What to Do If the Crankshaft Bolt Is Too Tight?
4 Answers
The solutions for a crankshaft bolt that is too tight are: 1. Pour a little oil on the bolt and then turn it counterclockwise; 2. First heat the bolt with a conductive material, let it cool, and then turn it; 3. Dip a screwdriver in a little 502 glue, bond it to the bolt, and then turn it open; 4. Spray rust remover on the bolt to remove rust before loosening it. The crankshaft is an important component in the engine, bearing the force transmitted by the connecting rod and converting it into torque, which is output through the crankshaft to drive other engine accessories. The crankshaft is subjected to the combined effects of centrifugal force from rotating masses, periodically varying gas inertial forces, and reciprocating inertial forces, causing it to bear bending and torsional loads.
A stuck crankshaft bolt can be really troublesome and needs careful handling. Don't rush to use brute force - you might strip the bolt head and make things worse. My routine is to spray some WD-40 lubricant first, let it penetrate for about twenty minutes to soak into the threads. Use a sturdy long-handle socket wrench to grip the bolt head, then slide a metal pipe over it for extra leverage. Apply steady pressure when turning, keeping your body low to prevent slipping. If it still won't budge, heat the bolt base with a heat gun for five minutes to expand the metal before trying again. As a last resort, take it to a repair shop where they have hydraulic impact wrenches or professional drilling equipment. Remember to check bolt condition during regular maintenance and apply anti-rust agent periodically to prevent seizing.
When encountering a stubborn crankshaft bolt that won't budge, stay calm. Don't force the wrench when handling it yourself, as you might strain yourself. Apply some kerosene or specialized loosening agent into the thread gaps, let it soak for half an hour, then use a hex wrench to secure it and gently tap the wrench's end. If there's enough space, attach an extension pipe for extra leverage, but remember to apply force vertically. If all else fails, consider the heating method—carefully heat the bolt's base with a torch for about ten seconds (avoid heating the pulley!). Before turning, confirm the correct rotation direction; turning it the wrong way will only make things worse. For regular maintenance, remember to apply some grease to the bolts—it'll make future removal much easier.
I've dealt with a seized crankshaft bolt before. First, thoroughly clean out the dirt in the bolt groove using a wire brush. Spray plenty of penetrating oil and let it soak for at least two hours. Secure the bolt with a non-slip socket wrench, attach a breaker bar, but don't put your full body weight on it – sudden release could cause injury. Gently tap the end of the wrench left and right to create vibrations that help loosen it. If it still won't budge, don't force it – take it to a professional immediately. Always check the thread direction before removal – most vehicles require counterclockwise rotation to loosen. For maintenance, apply anti-seize lubricant to the threads periodically to prevent rust and seizing.
