Hey Guys,

So heres the problem, about 2 months ago I was installing new shocks, when I realized that one of the bolts on the front lower shock mount was broken off, flush with the lower control arm, I didn't have the tools to remove the bolt, So i just installed the new shock with only one bolt, well it only took a few weeks before the other bolt broke off, and the shock plus lower mount were just hanging. I tried the other day to drill the bolt and use and easy out, but I just snapped the easy out, so now that is stuck in one of the bolts.

I was thinking of trying to get a bigger left hand drill bit and trying to drill out most of the bolt, I'm just worried that I won't be able to drill straight enough and I'll really mess up the hole. Any suggestions, should I just look for another LCA??

Sorry no pics, i'm in class, but i'll try to get some later

 

maybe you can weld a bolt to the sheared off bolt and back it out?

 

I have removed a few broken bolts by carefully drilling a centered whole with an eighth inch bit and slowly working up to the full diameter of the threads in the hole. When you start to see threads appear on the side of the hole it is time to stop. Sometimes the bolt will start to loosen by this point and will be easy to get out with pliers or an easy out. The wall of the bolt will be quite thin and it is usually possible work it around with pliers, an awl, a punch or a screw driver to loosen it up. Whatever it takes.

I have broken my share of easy outs in the hole and they are hard to drill because they are hardened steel. Maybe if you heat the easy out up to cherry red it will soften it up and take some of the hardness out of it.Keep at it and you will get it out. Some tap oil helps to keep the drill bit cool as well. Sometimes a little heat, even with a propane torch, will go a long way to getting a bolt to start to turn without breaking the easy out off but it is always touch and go.

Lots of heat and patience go a long way on jobs like these. Keep at it.

 

Ok heres a pic, I'm going to try some bigger left hand drill bits, the biggest problem is trying to fit a drill in there without having to pop a ball joint, remove torsion bar, etc etc to make room for the drill