8

An outer tie rod is bound (screwed into) the inner tie rod as described in this previous posting.

WD40 was sprayed at connection between the two tie rods and the jam nut was loosened. Attempts to unscrew the outer rod were unsuccessful. Is WD40 a good penetrant or is it merely a lubricant and I need to use another product? I am open to suggestions.

Improve this question
6
  • I've always thought WD40 was a penetrant and not a lubricant. I was told never to use it in place of oil or grease. Maybe if WD40 isn't cutting it you could use heat?
    – MeltingDog
    Nov 1, 2016 at 0:27
  • Contact spray(for electronics) is a cheap and good oxidation remover. I regularly use it to unjam parts. You have give it a minute to do its work though.
    – Bart
    Nov 1, 2016 at 10:30
  • I know this forum isn't for "shopping" but do yourself a favour, go buy some "PlusGas" releasing agent.
    – Steve Matthews
    Nov 1, 2016 at 11:24
  • Thanks for the suggestions and lesson-learned: always appreciated. PlusGas does not seem to be available in United States: hopefully someone will prove this statement wrong?
    – gatorback
    Nov 1, 2016 at 22:56
  • Try getting some PB Blaster I think it's called? Somewhere like Harbor Freight should stock it?
    – Steve Matthews
    Nov 2, 2016 at 14:26

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
7

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/best-penetrating-oil-for-stuck-nuts-bolts.773380/

There was a study done on penetrating oils. Here's the highlights - 

The break out torque required for:  
 Nothing = 516 ft. lbs.  
 WD-40 = 238 ft. lbs.  
 PB Blaster = 214 ft. lbs.  
 Liquid Wrench = 127 ft. lbs.  
 Kano Kroil = 106 ft. lbs.   
 50/50 blend of ATF and Acetone = 50 ft. lbs.
Improve this answer
6

WD40 is not a penetrant, and as far as lubricants go, it's a poor one. Get a legit penetrating oil at the car parts store. They come in spray cans and range from $7 to $15.

Improve this answer
2

WD40 is specifically designed to disperse water (hence WD). It is useful as a penetrant, lubricant and solvent and this versatility if one of the reasons why its is so popular and useful and versatile ie a can of WD40 in your tool box will do a lot of jobs reasonably well.

However there will also be more specialised products which perform specific functions better. For example in the case of a stuck tie rod you may be better off with a specialised penetrating oil.

Improve this answer
1

WD40's main use is actually as a water dispersant hence the WD, however it is also a anti-corrosion, penetrative lubricant and is excellent for helping free up seized nuts/bolts etc.

Improve this answer
0

I just found WD-40 Penetrant.

https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-Specialist-Release-Penetrant-Spray/dp/B0083V8JP6

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .