I changed the RH front tie rod the other day on my Mk 1 due to play in the inner joint. Now I know that the front shocks need changing (soft and floaty, plus a slight oil mist I noticed), the LH one should be simple, as that has already been dismantled recently to do the wheel bearing. The RH side however, is still quite well corroded around the pinch bolt at the bottom of the strut (plus the top mount was flagged at MOT last year with "slight play"). I managed to free the nut off, but the bolt head is that bad that it is crumbling, so no purchase with a socket. What is the best way to attack it? Remove the nut and belt it with a big hammer? Heat up the carrier as best I can where the bolt passes through? All suggestions welcome

The pinch bolts are supposed to be replaced when replacing strut or bearings. So with that in mind, I would unwind the nut right to the end so that end of the bolt is flush with the nut, then take a big hammer and knock the bolt out. 

23 minutes ago, simspj said:

The pinch bolts are supposed to be replaced when replacing strut or bearings. So with that in mind, I would unwind the nut right to the end so that end of the bolt is flush with the nut, then take a big hammer and knock the bolt out. 

 

That was my thinking, just wanted to see what the best approach is to free it off a bit first. Don't want to be hammering several shades of excrement out of it if it isn't going to move. New bolt already on order