Anybody know how to extract a broken bolt? I received my plenum spacer, and decided to install today after much installation research. I was following the instructions perfectly. As I was tightening down the upper plenum to 9 foot lbs (using a torque wrench), I heard a pop. Come to find out the bolt had broke off inside the lower plenum. Now it's stuck and I can't get it out!

Any ideas?!?!? Anything?!?!

HELP!!

 

ouch! run out to sears and buy a set of broken bolt extractors,

be careful not to get any metal shavings in the engine

 

Thanks for the tip! Has anybody else experience something like this. I don't know if I can trust myself with drilling into this bolt.

Is this something you would do yourself or if this is something I should take to a local shop?

 

hinestly i would take to a local shop where they can try to remove the lower plenum too. This way no shavings would enter the engine!

 

when you drill it out make sure you center punch hole to get directly in center
also cover the rest off plenum with a towel, and put a dab of grease around
broken bolt so metal shavings will stick to it.
Its not really all that bad just take your time and dont rush and be careful
not to break the extractor then your in real trouble.
I deal with that kind of stuff at work all the time.

James

 

The broken piece is no longer under tension, therefore, you may be able to spin it out using a pick or scratch awl.

 

I would give this a shot. Its work for me a few times.

 

i had the same thing happen to me. I just left the broken bolt in after I kicked myself silly

 

Great tips guys! I sure do appreciate it! I'm going to give it a shot with the drill-out bolt extractor bit. Just a couple questions though:

1. If all turns out well, I'll be able to extract the broken bolt, and be able to install the spacer...again. I plan on having it fixed by Friday, but in the mean time, do you think it's safe to drive the car? Is there only powerloss involved or something more severe?

2. If I have to drive it, should I install the spacer anyways with the broken bolt, or stock with the broken bolt. Which one decreases the risk of air leak?

3. Is there any kind of compound I should use to cover up the hole in the post? From the looks of it, the post attached to the upper plenum will cover up the broken bolt once everything is tightened.

Thanks again for your support on this.

 

i'll be installing mine in afew weeks hope i can avoid something like this happening....

Good luck! let us know how it turns out..

 

Don't worry. Its common. I did it once on a dirtbike.

 

This happened to me too...but I dont think my solution could work for you, it seem too far down. Good luck.

 

Hey Guys,

I am curious and I don't mean to steal the thread but... What is this "spacer" and what advantages are there to installing it? Also where would you get it and does it void the warranty? Can I run one of these with a CAI?

if you want me to start a new thread I can...

Lastly, if you were to install it again would some WD-40 or lubricant help prevent the bolts from snapping?

BADG35

 

Exactly!

_G_ - Try this before you do any drilling!

Take a small punch, or a metal pick, or anything sharp and tap it on the outside edge of the broken bolt. Hold it on an angle so the energy from the tapping unscrews the bolt. You might be able to walk it back out without any drilling... a couple of turns and you can grab it with your fingers or a pair of pliers.

 

Where did you get a new bolt besides the dealer ship. same thing happened to me and i need one asap