Basic noob question about broken bolt removal (1 Viewer)

[workingdog]

So, this is the front bolt on my bump stop. I got some bump stop extensions from Mark's Offroad and was removing the existing bump stops - and snapped this one off. It's a few threads up in the hole. Can I easy out this? Or do I just have to drill it out.

 

[thabruiser]

You can do either. A lot of times when I'm in the middle of E-Z-Out-ing the broken off bolt, the drill bit ends up catching, pulling the broke off shank with it, due to the drill bit being reverse pitch/thread. Bump stop extension...is that a 14mm bolt? (10x1.25 thread)?

 

[workingdog]

Yes. I'm pretty sure that's the size. Not that big for what it's doing.

 

[workingdog]

Okay, so one problem is I can't really get a good look at it without dropping the axle and leaf spring.. I drilled it out, but the easy out is biting too hard. Using my phone, I don't think I got center enough and cleaned out one side of the hole.

 

[whitey45]

I have had great results with left hand drill bits, they tend to Catch the off center problem and draw out the leftovers. Sometimes you can clean with a tap, or drill and tap to the next size.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Soak it with penetrating oil (kroil or liquid wrench(dry)) for a couple of days, then use left hand drill bit and low torque.

I have a Harbor Freight 12vdc impact driver that I use for stuff like this. It had enough “kick” to break rusted bolts loose, but not enough torque to break bolts.

 

[emac]

Drill it out and retap. You may never be able to get out all of the broken bolt and could end up breaking off something in the hole. So, I drill to the proper size and tap in some new threads. I did this on several bolts without an issue. I had three or four bits and a couple of taps that got a good workout. I dont think there is a hole in the frame in that area to get a wrench and nut in or else you could go with a new nut on the inside. Its the bump stop and probably wont take a lot of abuse, and just needs to be held in place.

 

[workingdog]

So, I was wrong, it's not 10, it's 8mm x 1.25
I'd like to take it to 10.

 

[emac]

I would try to drill it out to the proper size tap. You may capture some good threads, if that doesnt do it, go one size bigger. I did this on several captured nuts with good results. I wouldnt suggest doing this on a critical component but a bump stop or some of the top bolts will do fine.

 

[workingdog]

So, 1/4" bit (which is a little smaller than called for, for 8mm bolt) and big chunks of the old bolt came flying out. Then the 8mm tap. It took a little to get it started, and then it was good. 8mm went right in.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[thabruiser]

Glad you got it done!