Bolt broke...what now?
 

I was installing the univ joint in the rear end and a bolt broke off inside the yolk. (I'm talking about the 4 bolts that go near the rear end to hold the universal joint in place.) Now what do I do?

I know I have to get it out, but should I try to tap it out myself or should I take it to a mechanic shop?

If so, what shops do this? Will all shops do this kind of work or do I need to go to a specialized one?

Thanks

What I always do is take a drill bit that's a little less than half the size of the bolt and drill a small hole in the remainder of the broken bolt. Once the hole is there, I take a flat head screwdriver that is slightly bigger than the hole and hammer it in there. If this works, you can then unscrew the bolt the rest of the way with the screwdriver.

Don't give up too easily on this one. It'll come out eventually, and for MUCH less money.

Geez, how hard were you torquing that thing? Only need about 17 lb/ft of torque! Even withOUT a torque wrench, that's only just "good-n-tight" with a socket!

If previous letter doesn't work, you'll have to see how proficient you are with an "easy-out", just don't break THAT in the bolt!! It's hardened and will be VERY hard to drill out!

Good luck!

Well, truth is, it wasn't actually me who broke it. My brother, (who also works on my car) took an impact wrench to it:eek: , and it snapped. I just found this out today, the original story was that it broke with a ratchet. Funny huh?

So anywayz, I'm much more calm now, now that he's hanging upside down the swing outside naked, (j/k), I'm going to try the first method tomorrow, and if that works, great. But I'll post to let you guys know...BTW..thanks for the help.