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How do you remove a sheared bolt from Differential cover?
As some of you may know, about 3 months ago, I had a spring bolt shear off in the differential cover
Exhibit A:
I took the rear end apart, but due to budget constraints, have not been able to re-assemble. Now, the wife is working again, and the landlord has decided to move back to his place in Florida, which just so happens to be my place too. :eek: So I got two months to get this thing back together, find someplace to live, pack up and move. And oh yeah, celebrate the holidays too!! :rolleyes: I digress.
ANYWAY, I think C3sharktank told me there was a way to get the sheared bolt end out without buying a new cover. Anyone know how to do this? C3SharkTank, are you still out there? Phone home. :D
Re: How do you remove a sheared bolt from Differential cover? (79MakoL82)
Plan "A"
Does the bolt stick thru from the other side? If so, soak it very well with a penetrating oil ( I like KROIL ) . Then grab it with a vise grips and take it out.
Plan "B"
Take the cover to a machine shop and have them drill it out and re-tap ( clean) the threads. Hopefully some one would do this for about $20.
Re: How do you remove a sheared bolt from Differential cover? (79MakoL82)
I like the silikroil too. Soak it for a day or two and if there is enough sticking out it should turn with a vice grip. If not, I think you would have to remove the retainer all the way to get a drill in there. You might also try a special long length drill bit that would reach through the retainer. Then you could drill it (be careful to stay dead-center) and use an easy-out. I like the tapered square ones more than the kind that have backwards threads, they seem to bite a little better without creating as much expansion with the piece you are trying to remove. If the easy-out won't get it, try again after heating the snot out of the area around it, but be careful with your fuel tank right there. If that still doesn't work, then progressively drill the hole out until you reach the tap drill size of the bolt it uses and re-tap. Chances are you will not have to do this if you have enough patience trying the other methods. :cheers:
Re: How do you remove a sheared bolt from Differential cover? (79MakoL82)
ANYWAY, I think C3sharktank told me there was a way to get the sheared bolt end out without buying a new cover. Anyone know how to do this? C3SharkTank, are you still out there? Phone home. :D
Who me? I don't know nuthin' man! I swear I never touched her officer :jester
Actually the easy-out is the route I would go. If you have enough thread sticking out the top you could put 2 nuts on the threads, then tighten them together and use the bottom one to turn it forcing it out of the cover. But I don't think those bolts were that long so easy out is probably what you'll have to do. I can recommend a vendor that might help you out in your area but you'll have to email me for the name. And get plenty of penetrating oil...your choice on brand. When you put it all back together get some anti-sieze...it works wonders.
Re: How do you remove a sheared bolt from Differential cover? (79MakoL82)
my experience would dictate the following, drill the brocken stud with a 1/4 inch drill after centre punching and pilot drilling if possible, soak it with penetrating oil, slightly heat the ear the stud is broken in, insert and easy out (looks like a reverse drill) and remove the stud,