Help with snapped bolt...

LifeIsGood

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Let's say that someone was replacing their power steering pulley and bracket and whilst they were torquing one of the bracket bolts to 28 ft. lbs., it snapped. Let's say that this is a picture of what's left of the bolt. What suggestions would you guys/gals have to get the rest of the bolt out?

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RobZilla

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Is there enough of the bolt still sticking out to drill a hole through it sideways and slide something like a nail through it? If so you can then simply go left loosey and out she comes...

Other option is a nasty drill it out method with a re-tap and probably a new bolt sized hole. :omg:

:usa:
 
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LifeIsGood

LifeIsGood

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Soak in penetrating oil then use the correct size Easy-Out kit.

I purchased an easy-out tool today, but I will have to take a lot of stuff apart in order to get a drill to the bolt :(. I'm thinking that I'll try the vise grip first and then decide on my next step of action if that doesn't work.
 

jdeft1

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Good luck amigo. I hate when that happens!!!

My only advise is use patience... If you have to drill it out, step back and adjust your plans for next weekend. I hope it'll twist right out.
 

AZTVR

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I purchased an easy-out tool today, but I will have to take a lot of stuff apart in order to get a drill to the bolt :(. I'm thinking that I'll try the vise grip first and then decide on my next step of action if that doesn't work.

One suggestion is that you might try a small pair of vice grips first if a regular size seems like it will slip off. The smaller vice grips seem to work better for me for this kind of thing, and I mainly use them for something like this, so all of the gripping serrations are nice and pointy.
 

Martin

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I'm surprised nobody mentioned the following little tip. When you break a bolt while torquing it, you're pulling the threads 'toward' you. When you do that, the upper threads on the bolt 'fuse' to the lower threads on the mount. Best way to get that out is to first tap it with a hammer to break that 'fuse' and then use vice grips to unscrew it. If you don't tap it first, you might drive yourself crazy by rounding off the bolt with the vice grips since those threads are under tension and virtually welded together. After tapping it, you'll be amazed at how easy it comes out.

One other thing - when putting bolts into an aluminum block, it's always a good practice to put a little bit of anti-seize on them. You'll get better torque consistency, and if you break something, it's pretty easy to get out.
 
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LifeIsGood

LifeIsGood

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On the topic of anti-seize products...Permatex has two that are readily available...

Permatex® 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant and Permatex® Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant

The Copper version lists the following on their website...

Suggested Applications: Spark plug threads installed in
aluminum, exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts, oxygen sensors,
knock sensors, thermostat housing bolts, fuel filter fittings, and
battery cable connections

Should I be using the copper version on anything that bolts into the aluminum head or all the time or what? I've never used anti-seize products before, so I have no experience with them.

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Brake Dust

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I would file sides flat and then tap it with a hammer and use the vise grips ,extra tight. If you get a hand you could tap it with a punch and turn it at the same time.
 

FEDBYVORTECH

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After tapping with a hammer. If vise grips will not work I would put a piece of dry ice on the screw shrink it down a bit. You can get dry ice from local water distrib. They usually sell it in 50LBS but maybe he can give you a small piece. Bring a cooler with you to the store and do not hold it with your hand. There is alot of exposed thead I cant imagine you have to drill it. But a 90 degree drill will give you alot of room and you can shorten the bit with a cut off wheel. Good Luck
 
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LifeIsGood

LifeIsGood

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Thanks for all the great advice. Here is how I got it out...

Sprayed with Liquid Wrench Penetrating Oil twice last night
Tapped it with a hammer 3 times this morning (sprayed penetrating oil again)
Let that sit 3-4 hours
Easily removed the broken bolt with vise grips...​

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hemihead

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Thanks for all the great advice. Here is how I got it out...

Sprayed with Liquid Wrench Penetrating Oil twice last night
Tapped it with a hammer 3 times this morning (sprayed penetrating oil again)
Let that sit 3-4 hours
Easily removed the broken bolt with vise grips...
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Well done! Do you have any idea why it broke? Do you think you need to run a tap in to clean up the threads?
 
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LifeIsGood

LifeIsGood

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Well done! Do you have any idea why it broke? Do you think you need to run a tap in to clean up the threads?

I'm pretty sure that I over torqued it. The threads looked fine. The viper is up on the lift right now...we got about 20 inches of snow yesterday/last night and I had to get the snow thrower out this morning so the lift had to be raised. I'll take a closer look this week.
 

Kevan

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Good call on the tapping, Martin!

Either one of those anti-seize products will work fine.
As the anti-seize isn't quite a solid, double (or triple) check your torquing.

You can also score dry ice at local ice cream shops.
Most large grocery stores have it too. I've seen 1 lb. blocks.
Great for popping out small dents (like hail) in body panels too.
 

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