Stuck steel hydraulic line. HELP REQUESTED

[randy00]

I have blown hydraulic hose one my front end loader. Have tried using two wrenches, with a cheater pipe for leverage, still won't budge. I am afraid to bend the steel hydraulic line too much or break it. Have put on liquid wrench a well w no success. Should I heat the metal fitting of the hydraulic line itself and then try? Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Tughill Tom]

It's going to need some HEAT and good wrenches. Most likely someone used a thread locker on it. Loose the vice-grips.

 

[D2Cat]

Yes, the vice-grips tool isn't what you want to use. Need a box end that fits snugly. I would try to position the wrenches so I can squeeze them together with one hand (like you have in the picture). That provides good pressure and you can feel the slightest movement.

 

[Russell King]

You may want to get the metal tube loose or off the tractor so you can get a proper wrench on that block. See if some open end wrench will fit onto one of the more accessible blocks. If so, then use that wrench instead of the vice grips.

The set the wrenches so you can grip them both in one hand as you rotate the fitting by using grip strength (which puts all the force into the joint).

You may want to remove all the oil and have it pretty clean so it doesn’t slip easily in the wrenches.

I guess you could hold that block in a vise if you take that tube off the tractor. In that case you might want to cut the rubber hose down and use a box end wrench on the hose end.
Good luck

 

[lugbolt]

oh those can be fun

heat it.

It may break (brass fitting). Or round. If you have access to a flare nut wrench, 6 point, use that. Hold the line with the proper size box wrench. In order to do it that way you may have to take the line assembly loose from it's hold-downs so that you can raise it up enough to get access.

I hate that style hydraulic connection.

 

[6869704x4]

Cut the hose and get a deep 6 point socket.

 

[Dustball]

Cut the hose and get a deep 6 point socket.

This!

Do it before you round off the corners using a wrench.

 

[rudder35]

I really like my induction heater for stuff like this I don't want to put a torch to.

 

[Nicksacco]

HEAT!

This might seem expensive, but rusty nuts and bolts give up!
I like it better than a torch

Amazon.com

 

[TheOldHokie]

Cut the hose and get a deep 6 point socket.

I like this idea!!!

The pipe fitting will come out with a judicous application of BF&I and a 6pt socket + breaker bar will make that easier to apply.

Dan

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Loose the vice-grips.

If they are loose they won't hold the fitting.


("Loose" rhymes with goose.")

 

[TheOldHokie]

If they are loose they won't hold the fitting.


("Loose" rhymes with goose.")

In my experience on things like that large square block loose or tight does not really matter as long as the jaws are locked. What the pliers really need is a longer lever arm.....

Dan

 

[6869704x4]

Wonder if he got it.

 

[DustyRusty]

HEAT!

This might seem expensive, but rusty nuts and bolts give up!
I like it better than a torch

Amazon.com

I have this exact unit and it is a fantastic tool for getting bolts loose when you can't do it with brute force.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I have this exact unit and it is a fantastic tool for getting bolts loose when you can't do it with brute force.

How hot does it get them?

Cherry red?

 

[TheOldHokie]

How hot does it get them?

Cherry red?

Its only 1000 watts so I would not have high expectations. They quote 5-40 seconds to attain 800C with the caveat that it depends on part size. DOH!

Dull cherry red is 800C. For perspective my wifes blow dryer is 1500w and induction hardening power supplies start around 5000 watts for small parts.

I would be interested in some actual temperatur test results on specific size bolt and nut assemblies. How busy are you Nick

Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Once you cut the hose and place the coil around the fitting, close but not touching. It WILL GET RED HOT.
Used to maintain 'induction furnaces' in the labs at local steel mill. Had 304TL triode to power the coil.

 

[jimh406]

I wonder if it was reverse thread. I've found a small sledge like 2 or dead-blow is helpful to get bolts loosened.

 

[randy00]

Man, I just realized I had a reply on this post just to come see you guys showed up in droves to help out! To say I appreciate it is an understatement!

I ditched the vice grips and tried the two wrenches on it with a cheater pipe for leverage, after heating it with a torch yet all I accomplished was rounding it off even worse. I called a mobile mechanic toady that quoted me around $650...yikes!

You guys have inspired me to try again tomorrow though. Unfortunately with the corners now being rounded off, do you guys think hammering on an undersized socket will still get it loose? W applying heat and all.

 

[randy00]