Re: Big Sockets

[SMILLER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

For removing big, stubborn nuts, one method I've used (on non-BMWs)
before is to put the biggest breaker bar you have on the socket, with the
bar extending to the right of the stubborn nut (assuming right hand
threads and looking at it from the side on which you place the socket). 
Then put a floor jack under the bar and, very slowly and very gently,
raise the bar with the jack.  The weight of the car provides the force
needed.  Be VERY CAREFUL about the angle of the breaker bar so that it
does not flip out while you're doing this.  As soon as the nut starts to
loosen, lower the jack and see if you can remove it with just the bar and
socket.  If not, reposition the bar and try again, but do this in slow,
deliberate increments.  If you end up lifting the car off the jack stands
and the nut has still not come loose, you have a very big problem!  And
also a very strong breaker bar...

OK, now all you knowledgeable mechanic types can tell us why we
shouldn't be doing this.

Scott Miller
Golden Gate Chapter
BMW CCA #44977

>Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 07:52:39 -0400
>From: gbuffone@domain.elided (Gary F. Buffamanti)
>Subject: Re: need big socket
<stuff snipped out here>
>A socket as big as 46mm with a torque setting of over 200ft./lb. in
>Jerry's case (correct me if I'm wrong) will require one HELL of a lot of
>force to break loose.  I recently tried to break loose a brake caliper bolt
>that the gorilla at the dealership put on with an air wrench.  I ended up
>having to enlist the aid of a very large friend with an equally large
>breaker bar to break that bastard loose, and I thought the car was going
>to come off the jack stands in the process.  Another friend who is a
>certified mechanic had his jaw shattered by a ratchet that flew back on
>him (don't ask me how THAT happened).
>
>Moral: PLEASE.........BE...........CAREFUL!!!!
>
>Gary Buff

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