QT Fr Diff Guard...bolt sheered off
#1
QT Fr Diff Guard...bolt sheered off
OK...here is my problem. Last month, (at MAR laying in a field) I was trying to install my QT Front Diff Guard. I was having some trouble getting the grade 8 bolts the came with the guard to thread into the 2 holes in the bottom of the front differential, but I figured that under the circumstances (dirty threads, limited clearance, etc.) the problem was most likely me, so I just kept going. After several attempts, I got one of the bolts started and began cranking it down to install the guard. Much to my dismay, just a few revolutions shy of being completely tight, the head sheared off the bolt.
I spent the next few minutes calling the bolt, the diff housing, and myself a bunch of ugly words. Finally I enlisted the assistance of a friend who is also a Rover mechanic who politely pointed out that apparently the grade 8 bolts that came with the QT Fr Diff Guard weren't quite the right thread. (He also took the opportunity to call me a few more well deserved names...)
So, I drove home from MAR and decided to ignore the broken bolt for a few days until I was a little less annoyed. Fast forward to this week. I've found and sourced the correct size bolts from Fastenal (m10x1.25x25mm Gr10.9) and have spent the last couple days (between meetings and at lunch time) trying to drill out the old bolt so I could insert an extractor and back the broken stump out.
Well, I finally drilled all the way through the bolt (hooray!), inserted the extractor per the instructions, started to turn it with a wrench, and after an ever so slight movement of the bolt, the extractor snapped off. (Doh! Did a lot more swearing. )
So here is my question...do any of you guys have any suggestions for how to get this bolt out? I've considered heating the diff, but I'm concerned that this will cause problems with the integrity of the housing.
I'm guessing I will have to drill out the extractor, and try another one, but I'm a little frustrated at the moment and hoping someone can offer up some alternative ideas. Thoughts?
I spent the next few minutes calling the bolt, the diff housing, and myself a bunch of ugly words. Finally I enlisted the assistance of a friend who is also a Rover mechanic who politely pointed out that apparently the grade 8 bolts that came with the QT Fr Diff Guard weren't quite the right thread. (He also took the opportunity to call me a few more well deserved names...)
So, I drove home from MAR and decided to ignore the broken bolt for a few days until I was a little less annoyed. Fast forward to this week. I've found and sourced the correct size bolts from Fastenal (m10x1.25x25mm Gr10.9) and have spent the last couple days (between meetings and at lunch time) trying to drill out the old bolt so I could insert an extractor and back the broken stump out.
Well, I finally drilled all the way through the bolt (hooray!), inserted the extractor per the instructions, started to turn it with a wrench, and after an ever so slight movement of the bolt, the extractor snapped off. (Doh! Did a lot more swearing. )
So here is my question...do any of you guys have any suggestions for how to get this bolt out? I've considered heating the diff, but I'm concerned that this will cause problems with the integrity of the housing.
I'm guessing I will have to drill out the extractor, and try another one, but I'm a little frustrated at the moment and hoping someone can offer up some alternative ideas. Thoughts?
#3
Personally, I'd drill the whole thing out, and re-tap the hole for a little bit bigger bolt.
If you decide to do that, go slow, take you're time and don't screw it up. When you have the new hole drilled, and the new threads cut, make sure you flush out the diff to get rid of any metal shavings.
If you decide to do that, go slow, take you're time and don't screw it up. When you have the new hole drilled, and the new threads cut, make sure you flush out the diff to get rid of any metal shavings.
#5
Personally, I'd drill the whole thing out, and re-tap the hole for a little bit bigger bolt.
If you decide to do that, go slow, take you're time and don't screw it up. When you have the new hole drilled, and the new threads cut, make sure you flush out the diff to get rid of any metal shavings.
If you decide to do that, go slow, take you're time and don't screw it up. When you have the new hole drilled, and the new threads cut, make sure you flush out the diff to get rid of any metal shavings.
Drilling it out wouldn't be too bad, but doing it while laying on the ground in the driveway complicates matters...
#6
Looks like I'll be doing more drilling and tapping this evening. I'll let you know how it goes...
#8
Weeelllll, no. I pulled the balancer from my rear diff when I installed a LR Rear Diff Guard (all while laying in that same field at MAR). I have it and could put it back on, but had several folks tell me it wasn't necessary.
If there was ever a balancer on the front diff, it must have been removed by the PO. (I really only referenced it as a way of describing which holes I was using in the front diff.)
I do have a slight vibration when on the highway from 73-80mph, but that occurred even before removing the rear balancer.
If there was ever a balancer on the front diff, it must have been removed by the PO. (I really only referenced it as a way of describing which holes I was using in the front diff.)
I do have a slight vibration when on the highway from 73-80mph, but that occurred even before removing the rear balancer.