The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Best way to remove snapped bolt

Members, took Jaunita out for her shake down run and after 17 miles I had leak under her belly. The PO had snapped off a bolt holding the torque tube( I think thats what it is called) to the back of the tranny...ofcourse lower one where you need it to be tight.
I crawled under her and I can see the bolt is broken a few threads into the tranny bolt hole( so, no grabbing a little and turning it).
Do I have to take it apart or can I drill a small hole straight thru and either use a easy out or keep making the hole bigger and use a bolt with a nylock nut? Is there an easier way?
Please help, I don't want to drive her while she is leaking like this.
Thanks

If you were a little closer I'd offer to weld onto the broken bolt and turn it out for you.
Ask around for a good TIG welder and see if they can do the same.

In my experience removing countless broken bolts TIG welding onto the ends of them is by far the most successful, and if you're any good at it chances of damaging the part is the smallest by far.

Grigg

Grigg, never used that procedure, I'm now going to have a mig welder. Any tips on doing it. Much appreciated. Don

That's a good tip for MIG or stick.

With the TIG welder skip the washer and just weld a little pile on top of the broken bolt, even if it's broken off below the surface. Once the pile is tall enough to grab with vice grips give it a try. Sometimes on stubborn ones it'll take a few attempts. Part of why this works so well is the concentrated heat on the bolt alone.

I've used this method on screws as small as 6-32 and up to 5/8" so far, from broken off flush or just proud to well below the surface. Admittedly small ones below surface get a little tricky.

Grigg

I have used this procedure with a mig and as soon as the weld is complete I would pour water on it and out they came like new bolts. Works great.

Hi Jimmy, first get a small chisel that will fit the hole ( grind a chisel to fit) AND not hit the threads of the gear case and lightly tap a line on the bolt and at the same time put pressure with finger tips on the chisel in the counter clockwise direction to remove the remains of the bolt. Also Snap on makes a set of Left hand drills that may work, or you will have to use easy outs.

I usually plug weld a nut on to a broken bolt if I can get to it. The nut is handy to get a grip on, and the welding and cooling usually helps in breaking the bolt loose.

Got it out boys...I punched a guide hole, drilled and came right out.
Thanks for the info.