Tried to get the hex key bolts at the back of my rear wheel cylinders out but only succeeded in rounding them off. Have tried penetrating oil and also needle nose mole grips.

As the back plates are rather rusty anyway, possibly the best approach is to replace the back plates.

Was wondering if anyone had any advice on replacing the back plates? I am guessing I need to apply sealant between the backplate and trailing arm. Can anyone recommend the appropriate type of sealant to use?

I'll hopefully get back on the road one day

Cheers,

Alan.

Edited 16 August, 200817 yr by anewman

:)The backplates usually become a bit corroded, but I've yet to see one that's weakened to the point of needing replacing. Are you trying to replace the cylinders? Those 5mm allen bolts are a sod aren't they? Try hammering on a 5mm key that fit's on a 3/8 drive ratchet, and using molegrips at the same time. Usually, pulling on the grips and the ratchet at the same time does the trick...you get grip on the inside and outside of the bolthead.

Another option is to hammer a splined socket into the bolt head. Whichever method actually gets the bolts out you will obviously need new bolts!

If you do end up removing the backplate, there is no need to use sealant when re-assembling.

Today's work

From...

To... (hopefully done correctly )

The rear cylinder bolts wouldn't budge. Luckily Jorily was there to save the day with backplates coming in at half dealer's prices.