Impact question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
Impact question
Getting ready to do the front main and in the market for a new impact because my makita mid torque left the chat. I am thinking about a Milwaukee M18 1/2, wondering if it has enough ***** to bust that crank pulley bolt after it been heated.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 32
From: Tucson AZ
If you have an air compressor, then you might consider finding a nice, strong, compact air gun. I have the Milwaukee M18 and it will do most any job I tackle on non-commercial, light duty vehicles. But the strong one is big and tough to fit, especially with a 9 or 12AH battery to get the most of the electric impact. The air impacts are much smaller for the same or more torque. To more directly answer your question, the little 1/2" drive M18 will not get the crank bolt no matter what size battery. The big 1/2" drive M18 will do it, if you can get it into place. I use the M18 impact most, but for the crank bolts, I break out the air impact.
Last edited by rdbragg; Sep 4, 2025 at 12:00 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 1,302
From: nashville TN
easier to spend 100$ and buy a 3/4" drive 4 ft long breaker bar at harbor freight. 3/4" drive socket new with sharp edges and flywheel locking tool and it will come off easily. no need for any heat . its a one time stretch bolt so you need a arp bolt or new open bolt. 268 ft / lbs on the arp. Using the GM Factory Bolt
Note! The GM factory bolt is a 1-time use bolt! Directions are for installing a new bolt only,
OEM GM - LS3/7/9
& '2014+ LT1/ LT4 Dry Sump...........951500
LS1/2/3/6 and L92 - ARP.................951503
remember the front seal on a lt4 is OPPOSITE of what many have installed in thousands of ls motors. flat side goes towards the motor . if you look inside the seal on the rubber pots marked "THIS SIDE OUT". IF YOU DONT INSTALL IT PROPERLY IT WILL LEAK
Note! The GM factory bolt is a 1-time use bolt! Directions are for installing a new bolt only,
OEM GM - LS3/7/9
& '2014+ LT1/ LT4 Dry Sump...........951500
LS1/2/3/6 and L92 - ARP.................951503
- Use and install a new bolt and tighten to 37 ft/lbs. We recommend Blue or Red Loctite here if you are doing any high performance driving with this engine.
- This step is to get a reference on the front of the engine: With the torque wrench hanging at the spot where the 37 ft/lbs was achieved, reference 140° clockwise for another tightening cycle. Put a mark or a piece of tape where you need to tighten.
- Then go another 140° from the 37 ft/lbs starting point and you are now tight.
remember the front seal on a lt4 is OPPOSITE of what many have installed in thousands of ls motors. flat side goes towards the motor . if you look inside the seal on the rubber pots marked "THIS SIDE OUT". IF YOU DONT INSTALL IT PROPERLY IT WILL LEAK
Last edited by 9sec; Sep 4, 2025 at 01:49 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 2,016
From: MA/NH Seacoast
I use my M18 1/2 impact on almost everything, including many crank bolts on all different brands. Just used it the other day on a Toyota that torques to 220 lbs. Removes the bolt like it's finger tight. No heating required.
