Hi all,

I'm trying to check the steering pump reservoir as there's no history of it ever being checked on my 04 VRS. However I can't remove the two 13mm bolts at the back of the tray that the battery sits in, the ones just under the front of the airbox housing.

I've been trying for 2 1/2 hours so far. My socket set just bounces off the both bolts. I've even split a 13mm bit in the process. I've had WD40 on them since the moment I got to them and that seems to have made sweet FA difference.

I know in most circumstances you'd grind them off but they're more nuts than bolts as the bolts are fixed in. Plus there's the plastic housing surround from the battery base casing so that would have to be smashed. Why are things never a 30 minute job!

Any suggestions will be much appreciated . I've got cold and bloody hands.

WD40 is a water dispersant, so it won't do much good in these circumstances. You need a dismantling fluid such as PlusGas. Penetrating fluid is OK too.

You need to be using a 6-sided socket. If the head is rounded, then tap a 1/2", 6-sided socket on to the head. As it's 12.7mm it should be a tight fit.

I've tried both a 13mm and 1/2. Both fit once is removed all the crud. Just can't get a turn the socket set bounces off.

Right thanks for the advice. Ill try get some penetrating fluid!

After penetrating oil, you could try a kettle of boiling water and, if these fail maybe worth looking at these "Irwin Bolt Grip Nut Remover Expansion Set"

I was going to reply to this and see viewer has done this - I was recently recommended on here the Irwin for a stuck nut although I got around it by banging a slightly smaller socket on my problem bolt which I then removed but to be fair mine wasn't that tight.

I was lucky to salvage the socket too although it was for an old crappier set which wasn't that bothered about.

Nevertheless the Irwin sounds like an essential purchase for those "problem with removal" moments - must get the set !

Beware there is the standard and expansions sets, I'd personally get both and I think will drop hints for birthday or xmas....

Also make sure you are obeying the principle of righty tighty, lefty loosy aren't you ? Go ANTICLOCKWISE

I best research this Irwin? as I've tried again today with penetrating fluid, couple of applications, left a couple of hours and still absolutely no shifting. In fact I started to round one of the hex bolts so stopped.

Don't worry, I'm definitely turning the right way!

Should be so simple, I've done the same job on previous Fabia's for checking the fluid level is OK since it seems to never get checked at services.

when you finally get the bolts out remember to grease them well before you put them back to stop you having this prob in the future

Shall definitely be doing that, that's when I've rebuilt my strength to tackle it for the 3rd time...