I see these horror stories about trying to get rusted cradle bolts out and though my 2 fieros dont appear rusty in the cradle area, I would like to head off this problem before I need to drop a cradle.
Can a good penetrant / protectant be sprayed onto the bolts in the cradle frame through a hole, or would one need to be drilled?
One '88 and one '86.
Thanks
Pics help too
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 07-07-2014).]
I do not think there is any easy access. I pulled my cradle last week, and wanted to do the same thing, as my car is a rust belt car, I figured I would fight with them. Looked just about everywhere, and it didn't look like there is an easy way to get to the tops of the rear ones. I believe they go right into the frame rails basically.
My trunk corners are rusted out, and I thought that would give me a view of them. Nope =(
I just bit the bullet, and used a breaker bar with a 4ft arm. They were stiff, but were not locked thankfully. But now that you mention it, and mine is off, ill go take a look and see if there is any access to the tops of the bolts.
Do you drive the Fiero in salty conditions? If not, I wouldn't worry about it. Otherwise, yes, a small hole will work.
I dont, rain is the worst it sees, and garaged at home. Not a rusty car, some surface in some areas. I was thinking if I cant see the bolt area in the frame I dont know the condition of it, or what the previous owner drove in other than observing the outer condition of the metal. I do tend to over think things
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 07-08-2014).]
I dont, rain is the worst it sees, and garaged at home. Not a rusty car, some surface in some areas. I was thinking if I cant see the bolt area in the frame I dont know the condition of it, or what the previous owner drove in other than observing the outer condition of the metal. I do tend to over think things
you could cut an access panel and look in there, or take off the rear bumper and go in that way. Just to check it out. You could also try removing the rear bolts. If it was me, I would just leave it until you have to deal with it (other than maybe some PB Blaster).
On my 87 GT I found there is a hole in the frame where you can manage to spray penetrant on the rear cradle bolts. I'm pretty sure the rubber splash shields cover them. When you pull the splash shields off you'll find them.
On my 87 GT I found there is a hole in the frame where you can manage to spray penetrant on the rear cradle bolts. I'm pretty sure the rubber splash shields cover them. When you pull the splash shields off you'll find them.
you could cut an access panel and look in there, or take off the rear bumper and go in that way. Just to check it out. You could also try removing the rear bolts. If it was me, I would just leave it until you have to deal with it (other than maybe some PB Blaster).
^^^This. You may be opening a can of worms trying to remove them. The frame nuts inside the frame like to break. If you do that then you are all in.
Maybe just a pencil sized hole drilled in the right spot to allow a spray to hit the bolt area...
I was going to suggest that but thought why not drill a hole the right size for a simple grease fitting or 2? you could just use the grease fitting as it was intended or take it out and spray PB Blaster in threw the hole to loosen up a seized bolt if it was to late for the grease to be of any help. then just screw the grease fitting back in to cover the hole and reseal the area from anything getting in there.
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.
[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 07-15-2014).]
I was going to suggest that but thought why not drill a hole the right size for a simple grease fitting or 2? you could just use the grease fitting as it was intended or take it out and spray PB Blaster in threw the hole to loosen up a seized bolt if it was to late for the grease to be of any help. then just screw the grease fitting back in to cover the hole and reseal the area from anything getting in there.
Steve
I think its a rather large area not really enclosed in a way that greasing would work. Just a little oil on it to stop any rust seemed prudent. I oil brake lines and stuff on my daily drivers (older models too) that drive in salty winters and it helps better than paint. Though my Fiero wont see salt or even winter roads.
Thanks all for the replies, maybe it'll give others ideas too.
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 07-15-2014).]
