Broken shock mount bolt...

[rangarobbo]

Here are some pics (not mine):

Any chance anyone could repost these pics? I can’t view them. Had the same thing happen and it sounds like welding would be an easier fix. Is the broken bolt and sleeve completely cut off and a new one replaced?Thanks in advance if I get a reply

 

[Broski]

Any chance anyone could repost these pics? I can’t view them. Had the same thing happen and it sounds like welding would be an easier fix. Is the broken bolt and sleeve completely cut off and a new one replaced?Thanks in advance if I get a reply

Yes that's the best way to fix it.

 

[rangarobbo]

Yes that's the best way to fix it.

Yer ok but does the weld bead clash with the shock mounting at all?

 

[Pascoscout]

I don't have pics but what it seems people are doing is buying a stud that fits the shock bushing hole and changing the OEM design. I assume they are getting one with enough shoulder length that there are no threads inside the bushing (that will tear up your bushing fast). They are cutting off the threaded tube at the connection to the axle and then welding the stud on and using a nut to hold the shock on vs the bolt in the OEM design. The weld bead shouldn't be an issue assuming it's fairly even. Worst case put a washer between the bead and the rubber bushing.

Should work out assuming you have a welder and the skills to do it right. Can't see how it's easier than drilling and tapping though, which is how I fixed mine.

 

[Broski]

I'd say the drill and tap would be the first approach, if that does not work out then getting a hold of one of the guys that parts out 80 on the board like Slow95z and see if he would cut off that peace of the shock mount then weld that in just like stock. The bolt thing would be my last resort.

 

[rangarobbo]

It’s been making a noise for while under there so I finally decided to investigate. Looked under there and discovered the last owner had used a stainless bolt which I thought didn’t look right. The shock was also loose so I tried doing it up but it bottomed out. So after taking the bolt out I found the problem. They had gotten half of the broken bolt out and left the rest. So the bolt length is only about 20mm. Also looks like they tried to tap it and have made one side the sleeve really thin on one side. Dodgy bugger!
So gonna source another sleeve and weld it on for sure. Thanks for the advice fellas

 

[Mixelplix]

For what it's worth, I'm the guy who posted the pictures originally in 2012 (although they're gone now), and my shock mount is still fine after using the 'weld in the stud' technique.

 

[rangarobbo]

For what it's worth, I'm the guy who posted the pictures originally in 2012 (although they're gone now), and my shock mount is still fine after using the 'weld in the stud' technique.

So your method is a short length of threaded rod (or a bolt with the head cut off) welded straight onto the end of the sleeve? Then the shock is fitted and then the washers and a nut.
The thread I assume would have to be flush with the end of the nut

 

[Mixelplix]

So your method is a short length of threaded rod (or a bolt with the head cut off) welded straight onto the end of the sleeve? Then the shock is fitted and then the washers and a nut.
The thread I assume would have to be flush with the end of the nut

Correct. It's been a while, but I believe I used a bolt with a long shoulder on it, so the shock portion rests on smooth metal.

 

[sreyes1103]

What would you do if the threads inside the hole are rounded out. Can I just thread tap it to fit the same size bolt or bigger?

 

[robnicko]

What would you do if the threads inside the hole are rounded out. Can I just thread tap it to fit the same size bolt or bigger?

id drill it slighty larger or tap the existing hole and fit a helicoil or similar. the problem with most of these issues is over torquing and bloody rattle guns

 

[Pascoscout]

What would you do if the threads inside the hole are rounded out. Can I just thread tap it to fit the same size bolt or bigger?

It depends. You can get what's called a thread chaser or thread repair tap and try running that through the threads first. If they aren't too far gone it might clean them up enough to function again. Do not use a regular tap, it will cut more metal away than you want for an existing threaded hole.

Drilling out/tapping and using an insert like a helicoil might work. I've had hit and miss luck with those holding well. It really depends on the location and forces on the bolt/nut. Chances are pretty good that it will work in this case as most of the force is shear across the bolt vs trying to pull the nut out.

Whatever you do use a liberal amount of anti-seize when you put it back together. These tend to rust pretty badly.

 

[sreyes1103]

It depends. You can get what's called a thread chaser or thread repair tap and try running that through the threads first. If they aren't too far gone it might clean them up enough to function again. Do not use a regular tap, it will cut more metal away than you want for an existing threaded hole.

Drilling out/tapping and using an insert like a helicoil might work. I've had hit and miss luck with those holding well. It really depends on the location and forces on the bolt/nut. Chances are pretty good that it will work in this case as most of the force is shear across the bolt vs trying to pull the nut out.

Whatever you do use a liberal amount of anti-seize when you put it back together. These tend to rust pretty badly.

I ended up trying to chase it then rethreading it slightly larger for a helicoil.

 

[CalnSam]

i also used a m12 helicoil so i could use a oem bolt