Siezed Boom Vang

[Charlie]

Hi All:

I have finally got to the point where my boom vang repair has made it to the top of the list. It is a Forespar rigid vang with springs. There is an aluminum tube with stainless shaft that rides on springs. The aluminum tube and the stainless shaft are separated by a white plastic bushing. The stainless shaft is supposed to move freely inside of the bushing.

Problem is the shaft doesn't move.

I have been flushing it with water and white vinegar. I used a 4 ton porta power to try and get it to move but to no avail. I can get the shaft to enter the bushing further if I hit it on the ground but as far as removing the shaft from the bushing I am having no luck.

I have tried PB blaster to no avail.

Anyone else have any ideas?

[Charlie]

Solved the problem by destroying the vang tube. I cut four slots in the tube till I could pull the shaft out. It was full of salt corrosion so it wouldn't slide in the sleeve. I am getting ready to order a new tube. Stay tuned.