I'm replacing the front springs and shocks due to a broken spring on the left side and a lot of visible rust on the shocks. By the guides I've seen online this requires separating the hub from the driveshaft, but on both sides the hub bolts are incredibly stuck. I've tried soaking with penetrating oil (multiple applications over a couple days), heat with a heat gun and induction heater, air powered impact driver, air hammer on the end of the bolt and a 2m long extension arm(broke the 1/2" square connection on the breaker bar). I have replacement bolts but am usure how to do destructive removal in an effective way(would drilling possibly be an option? Cannot access the bolt head in the direction to cut it off without destroying the hub also). Does anyone have tips on either bolt removal or how to replace the shocks without removing the hubs? The bolt heads are still good so torque can be applied, see picture.

Welcome to the forum.

Are these hub-bolts 'handed' - I.e. LH thread on the left hubs?

Edited 9 July9 Jul by Warrior193
typo

Borrow a 3/4" sq breaker bar and adaptor to 1/2".

Or 3/4" socket too.

Edited 9 July9 Jul by Breezy_Pete

1 hour ago, Warrior193 said:

Welcome to the forum.

Are these hub-bolts 'handed' - I.e. LH thread on the left hubs?

I highly doubt that. Skoda-parts.com only sells the bolt with regular threads and going back and forth with the impact didn't budge it.

1 hour ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Borrow a 3/4" sq breaker bar and adaptor to 1/2".

Or 3/4" socket too.

Tried a 3/4 breaker bar with an adaptor to 1/2. Broke the 1/2 bit on the adaptor. I suppose I'll get more heat and a bigger socket set involved.

You might be able to get the left strut out without disconnecting the driveshaft. Worth trying, maybe?

3 hours ago, kivivyory said:

Tried a 3/4 breaker bar with an adaptor to 1/2. Broke the 1/2 bit on the adaptor. I suppose I'll get more heat and a bigger socket set involved.

I cannot imagine you are not able to undo that bolt. Maybe some Terminator thight it. Torque is not big

stretch bolt. "12 point with ribs": 70Nm + 90deg turn, "12 point without ribs": 200Nm + 180deg turn.

Maybe he did 200Nm with ribs 😉

3 hours ago, kivivyory said:

I suppose I'll get more heat

More heat close to bearing? hmm 🙄

Use good 3/4 socket King Tony, Proxxon, BGS

and T-Handle Socket Wrench 3/4 Inch with steel pipe

Inspired by kivivyory I bought emergency set. Just in case 😉