Extracting broken lug bolt?

s10lowrider1994 · Post by **s10lowrider1994** » 15 Apr 2018, 00:35

Anyone have a trick for extracting a broken lug bolt? The wheel lock snapped off flush with the front hub and I’m rolling around on 4 lugs.

sventastic · Post by **sventastic** » 15 Apr 2018, 02:31

Drill it out with an extractor?

As a last resort, there's this... (but I'm not sure this will work on the chromed lug bolts)

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Apr 2018, 09:36

That should be an easy one to get out, if it's not rusted in. Hit it with a good penetrant, Liquid Wrench or PBblaster etc. No WD-40.

If you take off the wheel, there may be enough stud sticking out to just grab it with pliers and turn it out. Very easy. May not even need pliers. Or if the wheel isn;t enough, pull the brake disc. If all of the fails, be ready with the left handed drill bits and some oil, maybe a chisel to try tapping it loose, and/or a bolt extractor.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 15 Apr 2018, 10:10

erikv11 wrote: ↑15 Apr 2018, 09:36 If all of the fails, be ready with the left handed drill bits and some oil, maybe a chisel to try tapping it loose, and/or a bolt extractor.

+1 Left-handed drill bits are a must-have for anyone that works on 20-year-old cars... I've used these from Irwin with a lot of success.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYBH8/re ... 08520&sr=1

Post by **cn90** » 15 Apr 2018, 12:32

- Depends where it is snapped off. If there is 2-3mm protrusion (after wheel is removed), then you can use a dremel to cut a slot, then use screwdriver to twist it off.

- I have a couple of lugs lying around, you can have them for free (just pay the shipping, which is < $10).

Post by **scot850** » 15 Apr 2018, 12:58

If you have no luck with that you may have to remove the caliper and rotor and you should have threads at the back that you can turn outwards or inwards to remove from the hub.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Apr 2018, 13:17

Once the hub is off, do not pass go, go direct to machine shop with drill press , and watch them drill out in 5 seconds

Bring beer

Post by **SuperHerman** » 15 Apr 2018, 14:00

In my experience I have drilled out the bolt with success. I center punch and start with a small drill bit making sure it is straight. From there I go big, almost size of actual hole with a left hand thread bit. At this point the heat and forces of drilling free up the broken bolt and it turns out rather easy. For those that don't work at this point I use an easy out and this works pretty easy. That has been my experience.

It wouldn't hurt to clean off the backside and hit with some solvent.

Post by **erikv11** » 15 Apr 2018, 19:34

Hmmmm OP does say it broke off flush with the hub ... if that is truly the case then first pass may be the Dremel to slot whatever is sticking out that back of the hub, if there is anything.

s10lowrider1994 · Post by **s10lowrider1994** » 15 Apr 2018, 21:59

Borrowed an easy out from my dad, came right out with almost zero effort. Now to see if I can remove and correctly torque the rest of them without issues.