Best method for extracting bolts with broken off heads...

Dec 27, 2006 42 Replies

I can't believe it, but I think I actually won! I got the last bolt out this morning, so now I can start re-assembling.

To get the bolt/broken bit out, I ended up taking a punch and driving it in beside the bit. That let the new bit bite in, instead of spinning on the end of the other bit. After I got as much of the old bolt out as I could, I ran a tap in to clean the threads up, and made sure I could get the new bolt in deep enough to hold things in place. Oh yeah, and to get clearance to get in there and get things done, I ended up taking off the front of my truck. FYI, to get that off, you need to take the plastic covers for the headlights, and the turn signal lights. There are 4 bolts (2 per side). The bottom two can be reached without taking off the turn signals, but the top two are covered.

Anyway, thanks all for your condolences, help, and support! You guys make up a great group! Hopefully the re-assembly will got smoother than the disassembly, but since I'm using all new parts, I think it will.

Clint

Glad you finally got it, clint. You may want to get some new bolts. Also be sure to use anti-sieze on the new ones, and not the cheesy kind! Do any of those bolts pass into the water jacket?

Carl

For water jacket bolts I recommend a sealer that says "ethylene glycol compatible" right on the package.

Earle

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