Snapped bolt on car - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 06:26 PM

I was changing my spark plugs on my car and when I was reconnecting the bolt that attaches the air intake to the engine, I threaded it in by hand then tightened it with a socket. It didn't feel too tight so I kept going then *pop* and no resistance at all and found I had snapped the bolt in half.

Here's a picture

So... is there anything I can do to remove this bolt? I looked online and found something called ez bolt extractor but I went to Canadian Tire today and couldn't find it. Is this something I should attempt myself or should I take it to a mechanic?

I should also add that this bolt secures the air intake, without it, it has some give but I don't think this is absolutely necessary... correct me if I'm wrong.

This is for a 2004 Rav4. I feel so dumb, I've never done this before. Guess there's a first for everything.

Thanks in advance.

Kybosh · 12-29-2011, 06:30 PM

I'm sorry to say this but, you'll need to buy a new car.

Nufy · 12-29-2011, 06:32 PM

You could drill a smaller hole in the bolt and try a extractor.

Might work or you might snap off the extractor an then you're screwed...

vanisleflamesfan · 12-29-2011, 06:45 PM

Photos make it a bit hard to tell but is the top of the bolt exposed at all?

If so, you might try cutting a groove into the bolt with a grinder or hacksaw to remove it with a large slot-head screwdriver.

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 06:53 PM

That sounds like a good idea, I don't know if I have enough bolt sticking out to try that.

I too heard about the extractor snapping and being screwed so I'm a little hesitant to try. How much do you think a mechanic would charge to do this?

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 06:54 PM

Sorry about the picture quality, my garage is pretty dark and I was trying to balance a light, camera and move the intake to get a okay picture.

simmonjam1 · 12-29-2011, 06:56 PM

If any of the bolt is exposed I'd try to get a pair of vice grips on it.

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmonjam1

If any of the bolt is exposed I'd try to get a pair of vice grips on it.

Not enough for me to try. It's pretty flush. I'll try to get a better picture of this.

ricosuave · 12-29-2011, 07:01 PM

ive had this happen a few times.

best idea is to spray the threads with lots of penetrating oil - to make sure it can come out cleanly

then, as suggested, use a hacksaw or a dremel tool to carve a slot into the centre and use a flathead screwdriver

the key is to prelube it so that any additional pressure you put on the 'screw' will not be enough to bend the walls of the slot or break it again, etc.

i advise against using vice grips as I found they just chew it up, making the process more difficult.

again, using lots of penetrating spray on the threads.

worse case scenario, head to a parts store for an easy out set. they are always nice to have in the toolbox.

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Screw-Extractor

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8366312/

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

BlackArcher101 · 12-29-2011, 07:06 PM

If it's really accessible and there is still a fair amount protruding from the hole, try as mentioned cutting a slot in it and using a screwdriver to turn it out.

Failing that, there are a few options to extract it. You can use left-hand drill bits or an EZ out. Most commons types are shown here: http://www.toolprice.com/category/screwextractors/

I recommend going straight to the EZ out if there isn't enough material protruding.

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 09:01 PM

I don't have enough sticking out to use a hacksaw or dremel so I think I might just have to use the EZ/extractor set. I'm really not looking forward to this, hope I don't screw up.

What if I do screw up? I won't have to take apart the whole engine will I? haha...

BlackArcher101 · 12-29-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wooohooo

I don't have enough sticking out to use a hacksaw or dremel so I think I might just have to use the EZ/extractor set. I'm really not looking forward to this, hope I don't screw up.

What if I do screw up? I won't have to take apart the whole engine will I? haha...

Then you keep drilling and use a heli-coil

But at that point, I'd question if the damn thing is even needed. Perhaps a few zip ties would sturdy things up

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 09:41 PM

Watching the videos on how heli-coil and timeserts work looks easier than using an EZ out set.

For the EZ set, how do I know what size bit I need?

zamler · 12-29-2011, 09:49 PM

What size of socket did you use, 10mm or 12mm? You would probably have the best success drilling out the remains of the bolt and using a tap to restore the threads. You will need either a 6mx1.0 or 8mx1.25 tap. A bolt extractor generally has a low rate of success on a small bolt like that, especially if the bolt is seized in the threads, which is probably true in your case. Also, put some anti-seize compound or at least some grease on the bolt after you get things fixed up.

And for the love of god wash your engine bay.

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamler

What size of socket did you use, 10mm or 12mm? You would probably have the best success drilling out the remains of the bolt and using a tap to restore the threads. You will need either a 6mx1.0 or 8mx1.25 tap. A bolt extractor generally has a low rate of success on a small bolt like that, especially if the bolt is seized in the threads, which is probably true in your case. Also, put some anti-seize compound or at least some grease on the bolt after you get things fixed up.

And for the love of god wash your engine bay.

It's a 10mm. Man I've never done anything like this before which seems quite daunting. So it's best I do a heli-coil/timesert or just a tap and die set?

And yeah, that's my parents car. I came down and figure I'd do some basic car maintenance.

zamler · 12-29-2011, 09:57 PM

Where do you live? If you're close to me I'll fix it for you. But you'll have to buy me a 6mx1.0 tap I snapped mine off a few weeks ago.

wooohooo · 12-29-2011, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamler

Where do you live? If you're close to me I'll fix it for you. But you'll have to buy me a 6mx1.0 tap I snapped mine off a few weeks ago.

Edgemont. I'll gladly drive to you. I'll even buy you a pack of whatever beer you want too. I just don't want to screw this up, not that I think this is a big deal.

GreatWhiteEbola · 12-29-2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamler

Where do you live? If you're close to me I'll fix it for you. But you'll have to buy me a 6mx1.0 tap I snapped mine off a few weeks ago.

I am offering my services as well. I have been in this situation before.

bossy22 · 12-29-2011, 10:00 PM

I've cut a slot in a bolt before with a dremmel. I then used a flat head screw driver to remove it. It was in a carbon bike frame, and the bolt extractor from cdn couldnt pull it out. The dremmel took no time at all.

zamler · 12-29-2011, 10:00 PM

I'm in Brentwood, so not that far from you. I don't think I have a bolt like that though not sure I'd have to look. But it's workable, depending on when you want it done I might be gone Saturday and Sunday.

The cut slot method can work BTW, you then hit the bolt with a small chisel and oft times it starts turning.