The Challenges of Removing a Seized Cylinder Rod Nut | Cutting Edge Engineering

TLDRFollow Kurtis from Cutting Edge Engineering as he tackles the challenging task of removing a seized cylinder rod nut on an excavator bucket. The nut had caused damage and needed to be replaced to ensure the bucket's proper functionality. Kurtis demonstrates the use of air arc gouging to carefully remove the nut without causing further damage to the rod. The process involves splitting the nut in two halves and removing it from the piston. He also shares insights on common causes of a seized nut and the importance of using the right tools for the job.

Key insights

💡The nut seized onto the cylinder rod due to a mix-match between threads or the presence of swarf.

🛠️Air arc gouging is the preferred method for removing a seized nut in this case, providing better control and minimizing damage.

💰Replacing the cylinder rod from the OEM can cost upwards of $20,000, while salvaging the rod by removing the nut is a more cost-effective solution.

🧰Using the right tooling, such as wedges and carbon rods, is crucial in successfully removing a seized nut without causing additional harm to the rod.

🔧After removing the nut, the damaged threads on the rod need to be machined and a custom nut can be made to ensure proper functionality.

Q&A

What causes a nut to seize onto a cylinder rod?

—A nut can seize onto a cylinder rod due to a mix-match between threads or the presence of swarf that gets stuck between the nut and the rod.

Why is air arc gouging used to remove the seized nut?

—Air arc gouging provides better control and allows for precise material removal, minimizing damage to the rod and other components.

How much does it cost to replace the cylinder rod from the OEM?

—Replacing the cylinder rod from the OEM can cost upwards of $20,000, making salvaging the rod by removing the seized nut a more cost-effective solution.

What tools are used to remove the seized nut?

—Wedges and carbon rods are used in combination with air arc gouging to remove the seized nut without causing additional harm to the rod.

What steps are taken after removing the seized nut?

—After removing the seized nut, the damaged threads on the rod are machined, and a custom nut is made to ensure proper functionality.

Timestamped Summary

00:17Introduction to the challenging task of removing a seized cylinder rod nut on an excavator bucket.

01:33The nut seized onto the rod due to a mix-match between threads or the presence of swarf.

02:46Air arc gouging is used to remove the seized nut, providing better control and minimizing damage.

04:57Cost implications of replacing the cylinder rod from the OEM.

09:06The challenges faced in removing the seized nut and the precautions taken.

10:55Progress made in splitting the nut and salvaging the cylinder rod.

17:23Successful removal of the seized nut and inspection of the damage caused.

18:07Next steps and customer approval for machining and creating a custom nut.

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