I was working on replacing my Rear shock and Mount assemblies yesterday, until one of the Bolts decided to snap. I year this is a common problem on many different cars, so here are ny questions, 1. how do I get the rest of the bolt out? 2. What size are the Bolts 3. How do I go about replacing the bolt anchors and what size are they?

Any help is much appreciated, Dean

 

Typically you would (very carefully) drill exactly through the center and use an easyout . Perhaps the rust on the bolt (and too much twisting force trying to get it out) is what contributed to the broken bolt - So I would use some sort of rust penetrant trying to get the remaining part loose enough for the easyout to move the remains. Often a torch heating the rusted bolt will cause enough expansion for it to come out easily - But not seeing the area I'm not sure if that could be safely done. (without catching anything on fire) If you can't get it to move you will end up drilling it completely out, and using a tap to restore the threads unless you damage the nut too much by not drilling exactly through the middle - a helicoil is a larger solution - or if you damage it worse than that - you might be able to tap it out for a 3/8 or 10mm bolt and drill the hole in the shock plate larger. Worst case you have a new captive nut welded on the bottom of the shock tower or after its drilled out too large simply hold a new nut against the old one (if there is room) and tighten the new (longer) bolt.

Match the bolt up at your local auto parts or home store. It looks like a 8mm bolt. (or measure the shaft)

 

Thank you I tried the easy out however no luck. I ened up taking a ball peen hammer to the stud and broke free the welds from the square nut below. I then took a new M8 nut and bolt. I put the bolt upside down and then threaded the nut on to the top of the stud. Do you think I should wend the bolt to the car or do you believe the tension will be more than enough to hold everything together?

My next task will be to tackle the other shock and use lots of pb blaster this time around!