Akwardly Placed Nuts (cg125 seat)

Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

This isn't a mechanical question as such; to remove the seat on the CG125 2 nuts need to be removed. These are placed under the seat behind the rear mud guards. I need to do this as the side stand snapped a couple of weeks ago and dumped the bike on its side. Since then there has been a rattling noise from the front which I am pretty sure is the bolt holding the petrol tank (the rattle diminishes if I hold the tank with my knees when riding and stops entirely if I sit quite far back and hold it where the tank goes under the front of the seat).

The problem I am having is that I can't get at the nuts to unscrew them (they are actually square nuts). From the back I can't get a ratchet close enough since the rear shock absorber is in the way, from the front with the battery cover off the angle is too awkward. I have a universal joint and a stubby ratchet but I am making no progress. Is there a trick to it? Is there a special sort of tool for accessing such awkwardly placed nuts?
It seems like removing the rear shock absorber would be overkill (plus I would not be comfortable doing that at this stage).

Kawasaki Jimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Oct 2015 Karma :

Finger ratchet perhaps (Google)? Or remove some panels for access.

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Square nuts are usually captive welded nuts. If they are loose and rotating it usually means the bolt is rusted fast in the nut and whomever lest tried to un-do them broke the welds instead.
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Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

I've seen a few Hondas with loose square nuts used under the mudguard, the idea being that they catch on the curve of the mudguard and don't spin as you tighten them up. Try getting a spanner to hold them end on.....it's a bit tricky, but can be done. Trouble is these bolts get badly rusted and can seize.... resorting to "heavy handed" tactics, and that's not easy cos of the poor access. You may just be able to get a set of Mole-Grips on them but you'll need someone else to undo the bolts from the top while you hold the grips.
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Falco · Traffic Copper Joined: 26 Nov 2015 Karma :

Thanks for the help guys.

As it turned out, with the arrival of the Haynes manual yesterday, advice from here and a liberal application of common sense, the problem was resolved. Turns out I was trying to undo the captive welded nuts that hold the tail fairing on Embarassed

One less mistake to make next time I suppose