Rounded Bolt Head On Front Driveshaft

[MrStabby]

All four bolts were over torqued, and there isnt enough room to get a ring spanner or socket on either side. I've managed to get three of the four out with open enders (all are mangled and will need replacing) but the last one got too rounded. Since there's fark all room, i'm not sure how to tackle it. Maybe buy a dremel and try to cut the head off? or file two sides down until I can get an 11mm open ended on?

Suggestions?

[Duncan]

ouch. can you get a chisel onto the nut to turn it? remember to lock up the other side of the bolt when you do.

dremel can always cut the bolt if needed.

I've found those bolts to be a problem before too...they often come pre-fcuked from earlier owners.

[MrStabby]

ouch. can you get a chisel onto the nut to turn it? remember to lock up the other side of the bolt when you do.

dremel can always cut the bolt if needed.

I've found those bolts to be a problem before too...they often come pre-fcuked from earlier owners.

Re: chisel - is the idea to get the chisel tip to grip on the side of the bolt head even tho its on an angle? I guess you need to chisel straight down first to make a gouge for the tip to sit in to give it something to grip with?

Yeah pre-fcuked - if there was a washer under to bolt head, I would have probably been able to get a ring spanner on that side. Do you know if there's supposed to be a washer there? or if it matters? I'll probably try putting one in to see if it gives enough room.

[Duncan]

yeah either find or make a lip to bash on. shouldn't need too much force it's a little bolt.

There is no washer under the bolt head, actually I think they designed it to be captive but it isn't quite held. the bolt head side on the driveshaft is pretty tight on the head.

[GTRsean]

Use a mig welder and weld something onto the bolt to hold it?

Done that on a snapped off bolt and worked a treat.

[Deano45]

All four bolts were over torqued, and there isnt enough room to get a ring spanner or socket on either side. I've managed to get three of the four out with open enders (all are mangled and will need replacing) but the last one got too rounded. Since there's fark all room, i'm not sure how to tackle it. Maybe buy a dremel and try to cut the head off? or file two sides down until I can get an 11mm open ended on?

Suggestions?

Mine were all totally stuffed and seized on. I used a cold chisel to undo the nuts for the front ones and had to cut the rear tail shaft nuts (back of transfer case) with a grinder. Tried using a chisel but they wouldn't budge. There isn't enough room to get a nut splitter on them either.

[boostn0199]

Die grider worked for me.

[Don Dada]

Launch eeet!!

[MrStabby]

Launch eeet!!

Lulz....dont tempt me.

Thanks everyone for the ideas.

[OMGGTR]

putting my 2c in .....

Idea #1 - Using oxy heat said bolt untill it just begins to glow and rapidly cool down ( repeat process 5 times then try)

idea #2 before u rounded the bolt did u try using a punch and 4pound hammer to shock the bolt before u tried to crak it, this usually works if u haven't try hitting it then put on a open ender of smaller size if its f**ked or try a pipe spanner

Idea#3 push the car off a cliff and hope the shok makes it come loose

[MrStabby]

Idea #1 - Using oxy heat said bolt untill it just begins to glow and rapidly cool down ( repeat process 5 times then try)

idea #2 before u rounded the bolt did u try using a punch and 4pound hammer to shock the bolt before u tried to crak it, this usually works if u haven't try hitting it then put on a open ender of smaller size if its f**ked or try a pipe spanner

Idea#3 push the car off a cliff and hope the shok makes it come loose

1 - I havent got any oxy or welding stuff, so this and GTRsean's ideas are plan B

2 - No I didnt, but mentioning the punch gives me the idea to try drilling it out If there's room. FWIW there's no room for a pipe spanner

3 - When i feel like doing that I pack it in the day... Don Dada's idea of snapping it with da powa has a certain charm...

tnx

[Daleo]

You've probably sorted it by now, but as others have said;

Just grind the side out of the nut (parallel to thread); it will open up on the thread once you grind through the side. If it's pre-farked, you're going to be replacing it anyway.

When they're already damaged, I don't waste time playing nice.

Edited June 28, 2011 by Daleo

[MrStabby]

You've probably sorted it by now, but as others have said;

Just grind the side out of the nut (parallel to thread); it will open up on the thread once you grind through the side. If it's pre-farked, you're going to be replacing it anyway. .

Unfortunately i've been crook, but i couldnt keep away from the thing and tried drilling it out. The grade 9 bolts just made by bits blunt...

I have a die grinder now so if there's enough room to get it on the nut i'll do what you say - makes sense that taking out one side is all that's needed. Otherwise i'll take the rest of the bolt head off, even though that will be a lot more grinding, there will be room.

Cheers.