Tapered Cotter Bolt

[Harry]

Hello,

I am in the process of replacing the Clunk Bushing and while I had the rear end out of the car, I am also going to replace the split boot with a full boot.  To remove the Pivot shaft, there is a Tapered Cotter Bolt that has to be removed first.  And as the name suggests being a taper, it is a stubborn rascal to get out out.  I have moved the right axle to the extreme position to more directly access the threaded end of the bolt with a drift, and I have used a heat gun to try to make the casing release its grip just a bit.  But no success.  Are there others (surely) who have been through this arduous process and might have some helpful advice please?

Much appreciated,
Harry

[Ed Riefstahl]

Hi Harry,
Were you able to get the tapered bolt out?
Sorry for the delay in responding, wasn't paying attention to the forum for a couple days.

I responded to your question about heat.
Hope you got it out.

Regards,
Ed Riefstahl
Erie, PA

1966 230SL (Ms Magoo)
1970 280S (Miss Daisy)
1989 300SE (Majestic)
1999 BMW Z3 5 speed
1991 BMW 318I 5 Speed
1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible - Red 5 speed (have you ever seen one?)
1997 Ford Ranger (Step Side 54K)
2023 Mazda CX 5

[Harry]

Thanks.  I was.  Stubborn little rascal though.

[Shvegel]

Now that you have it out I can tell you if my recollection is correct a new bolt is over $100.

[ja17]

Yes, your right on that special bolt being over $100.00. I leave the standard inexpensive nut lose and on the last few threads of that $100.00 bolt to protect the threads of that special bolt, before I use a drift to drive it out !

[Harry]

Another lapse of memory and lack of photos.  I am now reinstalling the cotter bolt and I'm questioning which way it is installed.  The blow-up diagram indicates that it is installed from the right wheel towards the centerline (threaded end first).  But I think this is incorrect.  I recall that I used a drift and tapped the bolt out from the right wheel side, towards the centerline of the car. So the threads on the bolt are towards the right rear wheel.

Corrections?

Harry

[JohnnyC]

Here’s a few pictures. Is this the bolt you’re referring to?

JohnnyC

[Harry]

Yes, and thanks!  That confirms what I recalled.  Very much appreciated!

[ja17]

Hopefully you have the flat spot on the swing axle hinge rod aligned with the flat spot on the special tapered bolt or it won't go in anyway.

[Harry]

Thanks Joe.  I do have those aligned.  I have to torque the large bolt on the end of the pivot shaft.  I wondering if it is OK to torque that against the installed pin or whether I need to counter the torque by using the slots in the shaft at the opposite end?  And what is that torque value?  The torque also for the carrier arm pinch bolts?

Harry