Got some new bilsteins today, couldn't wait til the weekend to install so... out at 9:30pm dragging tools out to driveway, get going, front shocks first, first shock, got top undone, pulled out, bottom bolt undone, working on the rear bolt when it SNAPPED OFF! This was about 10:30pm. I don't have any easy outs so I decided to drill center out enough to work the rest of the bolt out. I got that pretty much done but I can't get the threads clean. Has any one run into this? How did you fix it? I am thinking about finding a bottom tap the size of these bolts and use that to clean out threads, or get another bolt this size and make a clean out with it. Its 2:00am time to get a few hours before sun up!!! Man what a mess, I hope some one can help, I would hate to buy a new/ used lower control arm(?)!!

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If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon

bump, someone here can help u....

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I like cars.

It happens, can you chase the threads with another bolt? if not what about re tapping it for the next size up? Or you could helicoil it.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Unless the bolt is flush, maybe you should consider shelling out the $20 for the bolt-removal tool from Sears. I think it's the same thing as the easy-out you mentioned.

I broke a bolt once and had maybe a 1/4 inch to grip onto. The tool worked perfectly and was well-worth the money, even if I have no need for them ever again.

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Ralph

1985 300D Turbo, CA model
248,650 miles and counting...

On any old car, soak threads with PB Blaster on e day before ...
Another trick is to use a two lb hammer and a open end wrench just thinner than the bolt head, & hit the bolt hard to break the rust. Wrench keeps from damaging all the bolt flats. Safety glasses ...
Don't use heat unless you have experience.
Drill and tap, but you must drill straight of you will break the bolt when tightening. One trick to keep the drill aligned, take something (box, rule, tape, wire) and align near the drill to sight off an edge to keep the drill aligned. Then you only have 1 axis to worry about. Hand held laser pointers in a clump of clay work great but I like tape. Start with a drill size just smaller than the bolt. This way if your off, you can 'adjust' drill angle to compensate & still have a hole roughly the correct size. If you go to a larger size hole/bolt make sure it will fit in the shock first! Use a new drill bit or a very sharp one. Pushing hard on the dirll can 'drift' the hole. DO NOT BREAK THE DRILL BIT!
Good luck.

i think we drilled one through and put on a bolt and nut once.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thaks for the replys. I went ahead and drilled it out and tapped a bigger screw in. Grade 8. The other side when in without a problem. Well, lost a little hide off a knuckle but it will grow back.

__________________
If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon