scott357

is standing between me and my new Logans Metals winch bumper. I am trying to get the last of the 2 steering box bolts that need to come out so I can install the frame tie in brackets. I got the first one out which was no easy feat. I have been heating it up to try to melt the thread locker some say is on them. I have been dousing it in PB Blaster and pounding on it. That last bolt will not budge. I have been at this since 10 this morning.

Running out of ideas. As a last resort I will enlarge the hole in the bracket so it clears the stuck bolt.

Any other ideas????

xjoffroad

breaker bar

COSXJFAN

You don't want to do that, really. It has to come out!! Keep doing what you're doing. It will be better going through a bracket, then the bracket will add strength to your "frame" rail at the steering box, which is a common place for failure. Do you have access to a pneumatic impact wrench, that may get it free...HTH!!

sflxj

Ran into the same thing with my OR-FAB bumpers. Might be a stupid question but are you using a "cheater bar"?

scott357

Well it broke off...now what?

Starting to regret buying this bumper and this jeep.

Bustedback

I really feel for you guys in the rust belt. The only good thing about California right now is the lack of rust on our Jeeps.

XJs-R-us

drill it out, would be my move now...and then install a new bolt, thats strong enough, with or w/out a nut.
...and yeah, air tools would def come in handy.

scott357

I this peice of junk going to be safe to drive with only two bolts in the steering box? I have pretty much had it with this thing today

XJs-R-us

Usually best thing to do, is to take a breather, and come back to it later.

shed some of that stress, ya know....
Cause its a proven fact...when angry, people dont/cant think too clearly

n_a_i_w

Walk away , take a few minutes and get a beer. When you come back to it and start working again bring a 6 pack with you!

scott357

Holy crap this just isnt working out. I have been trying to drill it out. All the drill bit has done is chattered around on the surface. Even used a punch on it. I have to drive this thing in a few hours. I'm thinking it might be alright as long as I stay on the pavement what do you guys think?

n_a_i_w

do you have acsees to a welder? put a nut over the top of the broken bolt and weld it in place. while its hot try to take it out.

COSXJFAN

If you are drilling with a larger bit first, you are wasting your time. The key is center punch the poop out of it, and start with a small drill bit. Work up to your size with AT LEAST 3 bits. May help to grind the surface of the sheared bolt flat, to give yourself a good foundation to work with. These things can be a PITA, but you'll get it!! HTH!!

COSXJFAN

No, it won't...the bolt pattern is trianglulated, and requires all three to properly/safely hold the steering box.

Tural

a small carbide bit. low speed. pulse your drill. don't drill until you break it off. use cutting fluid. oil maybe. out of a squirt bottle.