Broken Bolt - Help!

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EdoubleD

Member
Posts
75
Location
Oxford, UK
I went to change the near side rear wheel bearing on my 300tdi, while in there it looks as though the stub axle is worn and pitted so I figured it needs changing.

The bolts probably haven't been out in 20 years and a mixture of inexperience, enthusiasm and torque has snapped off the head of one of the bolts (another looks to be going that way).

I've googled broken bolt extractors and there are various ones on the market but wondering if people can give me some reccomendations. I only have access to hand tools (no air) but might get an impact gun for the rest of the bolts.

Any advice on removing this and or the bit to do it would be very, very helpful. Thanks in advance!

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Hi @EdoubleD

1st thing is penetrating spray. Use lots before you attack bolts that have been stuck for a while.
2nd thing, can you use a ctr punch to knock it around? you will be surprised that once the head is removed a lot of bolts will come otu easily using a punch to knock them around.
3rd, Why did you think the stub axle was going?
4th Where in the OX are you near?

Cheers
 
You'll have to drill that out, unless you can get a grip on what's left of it once the other bolts are out, or snapped. It's not a major problem. Sometimes, a bit of penetrating fluid and heat with a good pair of mole grips is all you need to get the broken stubs out.
Otherwise, you can drill it out with a hand drill and good selection of quality metal drill bits. Start with the smallest one and go one bigger each time. When you're almost to the diameter of the thread, tap what's left out with a small screw driver or centre punch. Lubricate with penetrating fluid as you're drilling.
 
Thanks for the reply.

1.) Good point! WD40 would definitely help!
2.) What is a CTR punch? I googled it but it just comes up with embroidery tools?
3.) There is a score around the edge where the oil seal goes as well as pitting. Behind the locking plate there is serious corrosion and quite a large indentation where corroded metal has fallen out during taking the hub off. Maybe it didn't/doesn't I guess again my inexperience! This is my first landy and I'm learning that it either costs money or is a very steep learning curve!!! :)
4.) Wheatley :)

Pics:

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52w4whb35
 
Hi @EdoubleD

1st, Normal WD40 is not a good penetrating oil, Use something like plusgas.
2nd, CTR punch, CenTRe punch, try to knock it around. it may be loose. Other wise you may need heat on it.
3rd, OK, does look strange. So good idea to change .
4th, I am not too far away, If another set of eyes could help.....although no guarantees...

Cheers
 
Hi @EdoubleD

1st, Normal WD40 is not a good penetrating oil, Use something like plusgas.
2nd, CTR punch, CenTRe punch, try to knock it around. it may be loose. Other wise you may need heat on it.
3rd, OK, does look strange. So good idea to change .
4th, I am not too far away, If another set of eyes could help.....although no guarantees...

Cheers

Thanks for the advice and the kind offer. I have a friendly local mechanic who does all our work vehicles on stand by but I'm going to see what happens with heating/cooling a couple of times.

Thanks for all the replies....will report back!
 
As above with the heat and penetrating fluid. Drilling a hole in the centre will also heat it up to a degree. You could try a set of these from Screwfix at £3.99 it's worth a bash. You'll need a decent wrench, or similar, to grip the square end. The largest one in the set would suit that snapped bolt, you'll need a 7-8mm hole drilled in the bolt.
 
I went to change the near side rear wheel bearing on my 300tdi, while in there it looks as though the stub axle is worn and pitted so I figured it needs changing.

The bolts probably haven't been out in 20 years and a mixture of inexperience, enthusiasm and torque has snapped off the head of one of the bolts (another looks to be going that way).

I've googled broken bolt extractors and there are various ones on the market but wondering if people can give me some reccomendations. I only have access to hand tools (no air) but might get an impact gun for the rest of the bolts.

Any advice on removing this and or the bit to do it would be very, very helpful. Thanks in advance!

IMG_3785.jpg
undo the rest remove stub axle , if you have a welder weld a nut on to it the heat from welding helps ,if that then snaps flush weld a larger washer to it then a nut, if theres enough poking out hammer the end very hard then try with molegrips, failing that its a drill and extractor
 
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