Removing Push Nuts on Lippert Solera Awning Arms

[Matzyboy]

I need to replace a bent inner arm on my Solera Awning. The arem is secured on either end and the mid point strut with what looks to be pins. What looks like star washers on either side do not come off, I can't get behind them to try and pry them off. How are these pins secured? can they pounted out with a punch?

 

[Kirk]

I absolutely hate those things! The only way that I have ever found to remove one is to pry it off. They are not designed to be removable, and I have never seen or heard of a tool specifically designed to remove them. I always prefer to be in a private place when dealing with them as they almost always require a lot of swearing. I have been told that they were designed in the Devil's own workshop.

 

[Martian]

Tinnerman clips are easy to remove. Use a small flat blade to pry up a couple of the petals and they come off. Anybody that used to do their own brake jobs found what is probably one of the first uses of the clips holding the brake drum on from the factory.

 

[gwinger]

Tinnerman clips are easy to remove. Use a small flat blade to pry up a couple of the petals and they come off. Anybody that used to do their own brake jobs found what is probably one of the first uses of the clips holding the brake drum on from the factory.

Tinnerman is a generic name for all types of metal clips.
Those round clips are normally a one time use. Very brittle and break easily.
BTW, they are called 'push nuts'.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Tinnerman clips are easy to remove. Use a small flat blade to pry up a couple of the petals and they come off. Anybody that used to do their own brake jobs found what is probably one of the first uses of the clips holding the brake drum on from the factory.

I don't know that I'd say "easy" but they can be pried loose as Martian describes. Needle nose pliers and a pin & pick tool can be helpful too. Have new push nuts on hand because the old ones probably won't re-install securely. They are usually available in auto parts stores or industrial suppliers such as Grainger or Fastenal. Or order from Amazon!