Bolt head broke, can't get it out.
#1
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6 cylinders
Bolt head broke, can't get it out.
As the title states, I've broken the head off a bolt while changing out the bushings on my sway bar.
I'm losing my mind over this thing. I've tried everything I can think of. Drilled into it, broke countless drill bits, broke an easy out inside the pilot hole, Penetrating oil, heating with a torch, I just cannot get a drill bit to cut through the hardened steel so I can get into this thing. Any suggestions?
I'm losing my mind over this thing. I've tried everything I can think of. Drilled into it, broke countless drill bits, broke an easy out inside the pilot hole, Penetrating oil, heating with a torch, I just cannot get a drill bit to cut through the hardened steel so I can get into this thing. Any suggestions?
#2
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
A "bolt extractor" set is the simplest thing you can try next, however my success rate with them is probably a hair under 60%. A set like this one (http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-...117x00001xlpla) works like a drill bit but in reverse, apply force directly into the bolt and allow the extractor to bite into the bolt and eventually it should have enough grip on the bolt to start backing it out, if the welded nut doesn't give out first.
#7
I had the same problem and after many attempts of different things I just had my buddy weld the end of the bracket to the frame. Yes it might not be the correct way but I figured this would be the last time the bushing would need to be changed out so I would be ok. 6 months later all is still good.
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#8
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6 cylinders
A "bolt extractor" set is the simplest thing you can try next, however my success rate with them is probably a hair under 60%. A set like this one (http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-...117x00001xlpla) works like a drill bit but in reverse, apply force directly into the bolt and allow the extractor to bite into the bolt and eventually it should have enough grip on the bolt to start backing it out, if the welded nut doesn't give out first.
#9
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6 cylinders
I had the same problem and after many attempts of different things I just had my buddy weld the end of the bracket to the frame. Yes it might not be the correct way but I figured this would be the last time the bushing would need to be changed out so I would be ok. 6 months later all is still good.
#10
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Have you tried welding a nut onto the broken portion? Get a nut with a hole just slightly smaller than the diameter of the bolt, center it on there, weld in place, and remove while it's still hot...works well, and worth a shot, just a suggestion.
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I had the same problem and after many attempts of different things I just had my buddy weld the end of the bracket to the frame. Yes it might not be the correct way but I figured this would be the last time the bushing would need to be changed out so I would be ok. 6 months later all is still good.
#14
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Year: 1996
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Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
OP, your best bet is to find a good mechanic or machine shop that does this at a reasonable price (shouldn't be too much since the area is readily accessible). They should be able to fix it no problem. It may take you calling around / driving to a few places until you find a guy with the skill to do it.
That's what I did after 2 days of messing with a broken bolt / extractor from the cross member. Took it to a 4 X 4 guy and he had no problem doing it. $100. Well worth it. By the time you are done buying the tools, diamond drill bits, diamond tip grinders, it will be more expensive than paying someone else to do it.
#15
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6 cylinders
So true. What was a PITA becomes a major issue.
OP, your best bet is to find a good mechanic or machine shop that does this at a reasonable price (shouldn't be too much since the area is readily accessible). They should be able to fix it no problem. It may take you calling around / driving to a few places until you find a guy with the skill to do it.
That's what I did after 2 days of messing with a broken bolt / extractor from the cross member. Took it to a 4 X 4 guy and he had no problem doing it. $100. Well worth it. By the time you are done buying the tools, diamond drill bits, diamond tip grinders, it will be more expensive than paying someone else to do it.
OP, your best bet is to find a good mechanic or machine shop that does this at a reasonable price (shouldn't be too much since the area is readily accessible). They should be able to fix it no problem. It may take you calling around / driving to a few places until you find a guy with the skill to do it.
That's what I did after 2 days of messing with a broken bolt / extractor from the cross member. Took it to a 4 X 4 guy and he had no problem doing it. $100. Well worth it. By the time you are done buying the tools, diamond drill bits, diamond tip grinders, it will be more expensive than paying someone else to do it.