BIG PROBLEM!!!

[JesusFreak]

While changing the rear subframe, I got the two control arms unbolted, sway bar unbolted, and started the 4 bolts holding the subframe in, got three of them out very easily. Problem lies in that fourth bolt... it snapped!

Is it safe to run with three bolts (I ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER IS NO)?

Or should I drill out a hole in the frame of the car, and try to remove the nut thats in the frame, and put a new bolt in?

GOD I AM SO PISSED OFF RIGHT NOW!!!

Any help would be great!

 

[Pudmunkie]

Edit* wow all that and I re-read that its the rear subframe. No experience there.

But you need to run 4 bolts!

 

[mcgarvey]

You need to get yourself a can of PB Blaster and some stud extractor bits. Soak the broken bolt with PB and then drill a pilot hole right into it. Start screwing the extractor bit into the hole using a tap handle. With extractor bits, TIGHT=COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Keep turning until you break it free and spin it out.

 

[Pudmunkie]

Its probably a big mothatruckin bolt, ive found that bolt extractors are more successful on smaller bolts :blackeye:

 

[mcgarvey]

Get a big extractor. They come in all sizes, and most come with a drill bit that's the right size to use with it.

 

[bensenvill]

I swear I warned someone about this last week.


just remember clean up all those bolts before you try putting them back in... or your going to repeat that.

 

[Pudmunkie]

Get a big extractor. They come in all sizes, and most come with a drill bit that's the right size to use with it.

I think thats a given.... perhaps you havent experienced it yet but in my experiences the larger bolts are always tq'ed alot more than smaller bolts, and as such make them alot harder to pull out than the smaller ones....

 

[JesusFreak]

yes, i was warned prior, and everything ame off so easy until that last bolt... i am actually ordering new bolts for it as the old ones are practically useless... still waiting on my mecahnic to come by the house (friday) and get rid of that broken bolt and retap the nut... then I'm waiting on bradness to get back with me about the rest of the parts (new control arms, end links, yada yada yada) so I can attach them to the new subframe, and put it back on



*then i need to replace the two front struts(sitting at bat) and new camber kits (bat is waiting on them) and then taking it to the shop for complete alignment, and 4 new bfg kdw tires.

car should handle extremely well as camber has always been an issue for this car, the tires are crap tires, and the subframe sway bar and control arms were all jacked up! can't wait to drive this car after its all dialed in!

but as you can see, its a waiting game... i hate waiting on parts!

 

[bensenvill]

ugh man, thats the worst. at least your moving quickly on correcting that.

just take your time putting everything together and make sure once your done to triple check the torqueing on all the bolts you touched [I forgot to tighten my rear drivers caliper bolts... didnt turn out pretty]

 

[JesusFreak]

ugh man, thats the worst. at least your moving quickly on correcting that.

just take your time putting everything together and make sure once your done to triple check the torqueing on all the bolts you touched [I forgot to tighten my rear drivers caliper bolts... didnt turn out pretty]

Problem solved, got a cobalt drill bit set, and a super nice tap and die set, drilled that bolt out, retapped every home, and bout all new bilts for the subframe.. also chased with the die every other bolt that i had to reuse, went back together super easy!

Now I just need to get the front struts changed... but I'm still waiting on camber kit plates to come!

 

[icysvt]

drive like a new one when you get it done!

 

[JesusFreak]

oh yeah man, front struts are off right now, jsut gotta install springs and camber kits on new struts, and put them back in, hoping my fstb will still work after i put the camber kit on, and then hopefully i get my camber kit plates soon...