'97 850 GLT - Sheared off a bolt from the steering rack

Post by **vjaneczko** » 18 Jun 2016, 19:29

I'm in the process of swapping my subframe. In removing the nuts holding the steering rack to the frame, one of the bolts sheared loose and it just spins with the nut seized on. It's the passenger rear, one where the nut is accessed from the hole in the underside of the subframe.

I can't get a good view of it from the wheel well but I can from looking down from the motor. From what I'm seeing, I can't get a pair of vise grips on it (not enough room) nor can I get a sawzall at it from below. A friend suggested a pry bar but the small ones I have don't have enough room to apply pressure to the top of the bolt. I'm thinking if I get a larger one, the sway bar will be in the way.

Anyone have suggestions?

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 18 Jun 2016, 20:46

can you tack weld the bolt? if all else fails, wack the bolt with a chisel hard from up top while someone turns the nut at the sametime.

Post by **sleddriver** » 18 Jun 2016, 20:47

Geesh, what a mess. I thought I was the only one who managed to get in spots like that.

If it just spins and access is poor and room is tight, etc., then I'm thinking melt the bolt or nut with an oxy-acet torch with a cutting head. Vaporize which either end is more convenient and away from things that don't react well to such extreme heat.

I'm betting since you're in Il. you've got quite a bit of rust to deal with. 1/2 acetone, 1/2 ATF + Mr. Torch is your friend.

I like your quote.

Post by **tryingbe** » 18 Jun 2016, 21:47

Angle grinder?

Post by **vjaneczko** » 19 Jun 2016, 08:37

No access to a torch, unfortunately. An angle grinder would be too big. I've attached a pic of the bolt. The right side of the pic is the downpipe. The bar running along the top is the sway bar, which is very close to the rack. As you can see, the top of the bolt is surrounded by a sort of stiffening bracket which makes the angle grinder impossible.

Pezgoon · Post by **Pezgoon** » 19 Jun 2016, 09:02

It may not help but when I just replaced my rack I had to knock all of those bolts out to get it out, then when I put it back in I realized that the bolts would just spin while trying to get the nuts on (my nuts took a shtload of force to get back on so this may work) obviously I would suggest heating the nut and spraying pb blaster all over it and letting it soak in for awhile. I had the same issue with not being able to fit a ice grip sideways, but I was able to clamp downwards on it to try and get the bolt to sort of set its grooves back into place, it was a btch but I was able to get enough bite with the vise grip to hold it down and in its grooves and allow me to apply enough force to tighten it, the vice grip will have to be anlged to get the socket past it but it may give it enough grip for you to loosen the nut and it will probably pop off a bunch of times. Figure it may be worth a shot for ya..

Good luck

(ps it wasnt small jawed vice grips, those obviously dont fit it was a pair like this http://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-Vise-Grip ... AGPSPN=pla )

Post by **sleddriver** » 19 Jun 2016, 11:07

vjaneczko wrote:No access to a torch, unfortunately. An angle grinder would be too big. I've attached a pic of the bolt. The right side of the pic is the downpipe. The bar running along the top is the sway bar, which is very close to the rack. As you can see, the top of the bolt is surrounded by a sort of stiffening bracket which makes the angle grinder impossible.

You may have to tow it to someone with a oxy/actlyn torch then.

What about wedging a piece of steel in between the bolt head and a stiffening wall to prevent the head from rotating, then drilling out the center of the bolt using a very long extension? I'd suggest a Cobalt bit.

Or even a Moto-Tool with a diamond or carbine cutter? Maybe even a pneumatic die grinder with a bigger bit?

If you had access to liquid nitrogen......

Pezgoon · Post by **Pezgoon** » 19 Jun 2016, 19:31

Dry ice? I know its not as cold but if the bolt is rusted....

I know dry ice is easier to get (supposedly, I've never found it) could shock it to, dry ice it then hit it with a propane torch or hot water, maybe after enough itll shock it and weaken it and maybe hit it with a chisel and snap it in half...

Those air in a can, can produce some pretty cold temps when sprayed upside down as well. I don't know how cold, I just know they can cause frostbite and form ice, just a thought

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 20 Jun 2016, 01:07

a tank of CO2 is easy to purchase, but that wont help this situation imo.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 21 Jun 2016, 19:29

Well I was able to figure it out - after a lot of swearing and attempts. I ran out and purchased a 30" pry bar, then I jacked my car up as high as I could in order to get the right angle to jam the bar on top of the bolt and under the sway bar. Pushing up on the bar (with the sway bar as my fulcrum) with one hand gave me enough leverage to hit the nut with my impact driver in my other hand. It took me about an hour to work it all out, and ignore my fear of jacking up my car as high as my jack stands would allow - No way am I getting crushed!

I'm sure if I had the car on a lift, it'd be done in 2 minutes. Oh, to win the lottery and buy a proper garage!

I wish I could post a picture of the setup but it would have been impossible to do. Thanks for all the suggestions.