Guys:

I need some advice here...I just got done repacing some leaky transmission plugs ('95 M50D). I was replacing the top cover of my transmission and the last bolt I was screwing in broke off (I was over-torquing that one for sure as it somehow felt different and was tightened much further than the rest). Anyways, it is broken off below flush, there is nothing sticking out, nor would there be if I removed the top cover.

Any advice? It is one of ten bolts, does anybody think it will be allright leaving it? I am afraid because the tranmssion vibrates so much. Also, if I try to remove it, any advice on that? Unfortunately, the part that is still in the transmission has bead-lock on it.

Thanks

Scott

 

well you could try one of theose screw remover things they sell at hardware stores. i dont knwo what its called, but its basically a thing that looks like a drill bit that you drill into the screw and you can use it to remove the screw itself (or whatever is left of it). if you go into sears or someplace similar and explain to them what happened they'll show you what i mean. i used one of these things when i broke a bolt in my manifold, and after a lot of sweat and patience i got it out without damaging the manifold. good luck!

 

They are called "Easy Outs" or just plain old "Screw Extractors" They work pretty good but make sure you get a good one or that will just break in the bolt. Just drill thru the center of the broken bolt and use an easy out. Not that hard just a little time consuming. -Mat-

 

screw extractor, thats the name i couldnt think of! like he said, make sure you get a good quality one (i ussed a craftssman one, worked great) and make sure you use the right size!! if you use one that's too small you can break it in the bold and then you're really in trouble (been there done that).

 

If its made in taiwan dont use it. I used a cheap one and lived to regret it. Anything MADE IN USA is good. The easyouts work pretty good to, be sure not to get one to big or you won't get enough bite, it'll slip.

 

Thanks for the posts, guys. I went to the local small-time auto parts store early this morning and picked up a bolt extractor and the corresponding drill bit. I drilled a 1/8" or so into the broken part of the bolt and tapped the extractor in gently with a wrench. Unscrewing the bolt from there took time, with pliers gripping the extractor, but it went well for a while, then...snap! The stinkin' tool broke. I was going very slow and gentle, it broke anyhow. Well, the bolt had come loose enough for me to remove the top cover of the tranny (once again) and have the broken bolt just above flush, so some vice grips got it out from there. Just relaying the story in case anybody runs into that.

later

scott

 

well, at least you got it out

 

that happens with easy outs . i prefer to use a left handed drill bit. once it bites the bolts backs right out .