Liquid Wrench on nuts/bolts for future removal

[lizpat]

I spray a little bit of Liquid Wrench on nuts and bolts that I have no intention of removing anytime soon, just to keep it ready for removal down the road (in the next few years.)

Examples: cv axle nut, where the ball joint meets the knuckle (very rusted,) control arm bolts, outer tie rod nut (rusted,) a few bolts holding the radiator and radiator fan. There's a very badly rusted bolt holding the intake manifold to the engine----it's going to strip anyway but I believe this practice helped me remove it when I needed to replace the intake manifold gasket. I was able to remove the bolt by very lightly tapping a smaller socket onto the stripped bolt (it's a very tight space there, I used a 1/2 inch ratchet to tap it.)

One of the more 'traumatic' things working on cars is being unable to remove a nut or bolt because it has stripped or it's broken: learning how to deal with these situations and making preparations for it, is one of the more painful experiences you have to learn from.

Some other thoughts: I've learned to use ONLY Liquid Wrench (and specifically NOT PB Blaster because it has failed me time and time again which is puzzling since they're both well respected. Maybe I got a bad batch? Whatever, I don't trust it one bit anymore.)

 

[Snagglefoot]

In happen to use Krown on all nuts and bolts that some day may have to be loosened, but only on suspension and drive train pieces. I purchase 6 packs of spray cans and whenever I remove a tire and have better access, I will spray the nuts and bolts. The concept served me well as last week I used my Dewalt 921 to zip out two pinch bolts on were used on struts that were installed five years ago. A day or two prior to a job I will wipe off the dirt and spray Liquid Wrench on the bolts.

 

[ctechbob]

I live in the south, so no.

I'm not convinced penetrating oil does much for a tritely rusted and stuck fastener anyways. Maybe prevent galling on the way off, but it isn't getting in there.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Some people do this, yes.

 

[AutoMechanic]

No not really. Though for certain things I’ve loosened and put anti seize on. It seems to me like penetrating oil would eventually dissolve or wash away over time and probably not be effective years down the road maybe the little bit that seeps in but that’s it. When I do need penetrating oil though my preferred is Kroil but I’ve used a lot of other ones too.

 

[Snagglefoot]

On example of a proactive effort might be to loosen and re-tighten a pinch bolt knowing you might be changing a strut down the road. I could probably do that in my garage, then rent a hoist to do the actual job, not wasting rental money messing with the pinch bolt.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

IMO, in the Salt Belt, where I am, NOTHING will stop a bolt or nut from rusting. Kroil is my go to to try and loosen these things. The best thing I've ever found is Kroil. Yet, on my old cars, even Kroil can't do the job......and snap goes the bolt. The only thing I find that works, if I get it loose, is anti-seize putting it back together, and then painting the bolt with something like POR 15. Hate the Salt Belt !!!!!!!!!!

 

[JHZR2]

I wouldn’t use liquid wrench. It will evaporate and disappear. If I was trying to be proactive with bolts I’d intend to remove at some point, I spray them with lanolin, wax, oil, etc.

 

[CleanSump]

Boeshield T-9 is one of the best of several dozen products designed for the purpose. WD-40 is not.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/BOESHIEL...g87sPKtgPAgk2FtFPTAfIk5ihoQMMQ8xoCrW4QAvD_BwE

 

[B1974]

I fluid film CV axle nuts when putting on winter tires that are on alloy rims and the nut is covered. With steel rims where the axle nuts are exposed I hit them with black tremclad spray paint.

I pity those of you in the rust belt. I'll put up with the bitter cold over the salt.

 

[Number_35]

I spray a little bit of Liquid Wrench on nuts and bolts that I have no intention of removing anytime soon, just to keep it ready for removal down the road (in the next few years).

I also do this. Can't hurt, might help!

 

[Pterostylis]

I put lanolin spray externally on nuts and bolts that don’t get used.
Fasteners that get used get anti-seize when reassembling.

 

[grasscutter]

I don't like PB Blaster because of the acid it has in it. You splash it on your skin and it stings. You get it in your eyes you better be running to the faucet. Long term use of it will actually cause more corrosion because of the acid.

Liquid Wrench has a very pungent smell, but at least it won't burn your skin.

 

[bonjo]

i use either copper or aluminium grease to reduce corrosion & galling. But it is important to reduce torque values by about 20%

 

[Lubener]

I use some chassis grease that may have oozed out of a tie rod or ball joint.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I live in the south, so no.

I'm not convinced penetrating oil does much for a tritely rusted and stuck fastener anyways. Maybe prevent galling on the way off, but it isn't getting in there.

May I suggest some of the Project Farm tests with various penetrating oils. This concept was tested.

 

[Donald]

I think there are different answers for a new car with new nuts and bolts vs a used car with some nuts and bolts that look a little rusty.

 

[Bailey28]

The only thing penetrating oil does is make the bolt you are trying to loosen more slippery. I switched to using an impact gun on fasteners that haven't moved in years.

 

[Astro14]

I don’t, but if I need a penetrant, it’s Kroil first, Liquid Wrench, or Gibbs second, Acetone/ATF third.

I have found that PB’Laster just doesn’t work. It no longer resides on my shelf.

 

[TomYoung]

I don’t think you accomplish anything by using PB Blaster or liquid wrench to make fasteners easier to move in the distant future. Both products are excellent for moving stuck, seized bolts when used with a little heat. The stuff to use for long term ease of removal is anti seize. Fluid film is a good treatment, too. I know an old mechanic who wipes the smallest amount of motor oil on threads….

The person who thinks that the impact wrench is the right solution is playing checkers in a chess room.