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Pinion shaft lock bolt

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Old 04-28-2009, 07:19 PM
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Pinion shaft lock bolt

On two of the three 10-bolts I've disassembled in my lifetime, the pinion shaft lock bolt has been broken off near the end of the threads on the bolt.
Why do they do this?
I don't think there would be much force on them...
Old 04-28-2009, 09:15 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

just some a-hole putting way to much torque on a little bolt, whether its from the factory or a previous owner.
Old 04-28-2009, 09:48 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

I don't think that's what caused it, by saying broken off at the end of the threads I don't mean the end that meats the head, but the end that is in the middle of the bolt. I considered that, but I don't think that would break it in the middle of the bolt.
Has anyone else seen what I'm talking about, or do I just have really bad luck?
Old 04-29-2009, 06:44 AM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by gregsz-28
I don't think there would be much force on them...
The manual calls for 27 pounds. So far I've never experienced a problem. A six-point box end and a dead blow hammer has worked every time. Maybe I've been lucky.

JamesC
Old 04-29-2009, 09:01 AM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

The bolt breaks from the cross shaft moving around and hammering on it. Most of the time the bolt has a lot of clearance in the hole and the shaft can move a lot. Each time you turn a corner the pinion gears cause the shaft to rotate on the bolt. Sometimes it might hit harder than others. If you look at most bolts that are not broke you will see wear on them. For some reason the 8.5 and 7.5 10 bolt rear ends break more bolts than the old 8.2 and 12 bolt. There is a special tool that is made for removing these broken bolts. I think Mac or Matco has it. I have a link to it on my other computer, but it's broke right now.
Old 04-29-2009, 12:24 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by big gear head
The bolt breaks from the cross shaft moving around and hammering on it. Most of the time the bolt has a lot of clearance in the hole and the shaft can move a lot. Each time you turn a corner the pinion gears cause the shaft to rotate on the bolt. Sometimes it might hit harder than others. If you look at most bolts that are not broke you will see wear on them. For some reason the 8.5 and 7.5 10 bolt rear ends break more bolts than the old 8.2 and 12 bolt. There is a special tool that is made for removing these broken bolts. I think Mac or Matco has it. I have a link to it on my other computer, but it's broke right now.
If you could find the link or remember the name of the tool please post it. I have a broken pinion shaft bolt that I'm trying to remove... PITA! Any ideas really appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
Old 04-29-2009, 12:45 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

I've read that after the bolt breaks and has no torque on it, it can be removed with a pick.

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Old 04-29-2009, 01:30 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by JamesC
I've read that after the bolt breaks and has no torque on it, it can be removed with a pick.

JamesC
There's about 1/4" of the tip with a few threads left on it of the lock bolt still down inside the carrier. I tried a pick but can't get it to budge. I read to grind into the pin, past the bolt and push the pin out, but I don't want to do any more damage than I have to.
Old 04-29-2009, 01:38 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by SSChevyFan
There's about 1/4" of the tip with a few threads left on it of the lock bolt still down inside the carrier.
Perhaps the Loctite is holding you up, and some heat, along with the pick, would do the trick.

JamesC
Old 04-29-2009, 01:51 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by JamesC
Perhaps the Loctite is holding you up, and some heat, along with the pick, would do the trick.

JamesC
Thanks James, I didn't think about the Loctite. I'll give it a try and post back the outcome.
Old 04-29-2009, 02:18 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Here you go.
http://www.etoolcart.com/fabbri-diff...actor-kit.aspx
Old 04-29-2009, 06:58 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by big gear head
Thanks for finding the link! I bought the kit. I will post back after it arrives and I've tried it. Since the pick didn't work, this seems like the easiest solution, at least compared to every thing else I've read today.

Appreciate all the help,
Mark
Old 04-30-2009, 12:14 AM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Of the two broken bolts that I've had to remove, one just pulled out with a magnet, since it had broken off after the threads, and the other I was able to spin out with a pick, it broke off with about one thread.

Originally Posted by big gear head
The bolt breaks from the cross shaft moving around and hammering on it. Most of the time the bolt has a lot of clearance in the hole and the shaft can move a lot. Each time you turn a corner the pinion gears cause the shaft to rotate on the bolt. Sometimes it might hit harder than others. If you look at most bolts that are not broke you will see wear on them. For some reason the 8.5 and 7.5 10 bolt rear ends break more bolts than the old 8.2 and 12 bolt.
I'll accept that explanation. Thanks everyone!

I'll order that tool next time I plan on disassembling a 10-bolt, the one I had to back out with a pick took about 2 hours.
Old 05-11-2009, 05:06 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Originally Posted by big gear head
The kit worked great!! Very easy and quick. Thanks again, you really saved my rear
Old 05-11-2009, 09:35 PM
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Re: Pinion shaft lock bolt

Glad to help. I guess I need to get one of those. I always get them out the hard way.
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