Removing rounded off bolts
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Removing rounded off bolts
Well it all came down to one bolt, and bam rounded it off. Not a Corvette, but a front wheel bearing assembly for a Chevy Silverado 4x4. Everything is so rusted, everything fought me the whole way. I was going to file it back clean and maybe beat a six point socket on and see if I can blast it again with a air gun. But the space is tight and have to be carefull of the CV boot. We seem to run into hard to get out bolts on our Corvettes, do you pros have any suggestions or tricks, thanks for any suggestions!:smash
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
Happened yesterday on a bolt on the front end. Went to Lowes and bought this: http://www.lowes.com/pd_577634-281-3...=50146292&Ntt=
The bolt was 1/2 inch.
The bolt was 1/2 inch.
Last edited by BKarol; Apr 29, 2015 at 08:30 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 819
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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If possible I would apply daily applications (with banging) of PB blaster for a week before using an extractor to possibly avoid breaking the head off.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I usually clean those as clean and dry as I can get then then hammer a clean nut over the head of the bolt as tight as it will go. Fire up the mig welder and weld the nut and bolt together through the hole in the nut then turn it out. Don't forget to stick something over the CV boot to shield it from sparks if you try this!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 316
Likes: 39
From: Machesney Park IL
Just about every case like this is its own unique situation. Removing rounded or broken bolts is one of the hardest things to teach/learn. The extractors are awesome, lots of PB blaster and patience works well, sometimes a small chisel and hammer gets it. Lately, I have been experimenting using a Mini Ductor to heat the bolt, and I am getting better with that.
I think my next step would be PB blaster overnight and one of the extractors.
I think my next step would be PB blaster overnight and one of the extractors.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks for all the replies.
Yes I was thinking going the extractor route, but they are too big and do not fit between the side of the bolt and CV boot, approx. 3/8 clearance, 15mm bolt
I have been soaking it with PB for a week!!! It is the front bolt so gets hammered by our salty roads here.
I'm gonna weld a nut on, that I can do!!! Kudos Praxxus!!
I will follow up and post with pictures.
Yes I was thinking going the extractor route, but they are too big and do not fit between the side of the bolt and CV boot, approx. 3/8 clearance, 15mm bolt
I have been soaking it with PB for a week!!! It is the front bolt so gets hammered by our salty roads here.
I'm gonna weld a nut on, that I can do!!! Kudos Praxxus!!
I will follow up and post with pictures.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
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From: shelbyville West Michigan
in my world, I wouldn't even consider that rounded, but either way, I would use some heat and a spray bottle of watter. heat and cool a few times (try not to heat the bolt itself) if you have a set of acetylene torches, that should come right off. if the 15mm slips, try a worn 9/16".
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: frederick maryland
if u can get a good 6 point on it u can probably get it right out. doesnt look too rounded off. id try the correct size, even if u need to hammer it on some, or a 9/16 as stated above. get it on fully. soak w pb overnight or longer first. might get lucky. trick is to not go with the agressive approaches till necessary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,180
Likes: 107
From: S Fla
I've come to be quite handy with my torch...cover the exposed soft material with a wet towel and hold the torch on the head and around the bolt head then spray some pb into it, let it sit overnight and try the extractor heads next day. repeat procedure if necessary. Worked for me on some serious rusted stuff. and as always use caution! ps: I agree, 6pt sockets only on old stuff!
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
in my world, I wouldn't even consider that rounded, but either way, I would use some heat and a spray bottle of watter. heat and cool a few times (try not to heat the bolt itself) if you have a set of acetylene torches, that should come right off. if the 15mm slips, try a worn 9/16".
