Rear Stabiliser Bar Bush Clamp Bolt Sheared - How Do I Fix This?

[Mike Floutier]

Ok, well I finally got hold of a replacement rear right suspension leg for the burst air-sus bladder.

It was a fairly easy job to but I had to lower the hub etc. to accommodate the new leg. The only way I could see to do this was to release the pressure from the stabiliser bar. I couldn't undo the link so I went for removing the stabiliser bush clamp.

Unfortunately one of the clamp bolts sheared off!

I've not dealt with this sort of situation before so I would appreciate some wisdom.

I guess I have to drill out the remaining bolt whilst trying not to damage the captive nut's threads.

Please could someone talk me through the process so I don't make a pig's ear of it.

Many thanks.

[IHgs300]

You need to centre punch a mark on sheared stud, then drill a pilot hole in centre and use a stud extractor on it, such as these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-EXPERT-SCHRODER-5-PIECE-SCREW-EXTRACTOR-SET-45856-BOLT-STUD-REMOVER-/150898560701?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2322414ebd

make sure you give it a good soaking with wd40 or equivalent, Although heat from drilling might loosen it a bit.

[Mike Floutier]

Many thanks Ian, will give it a go.

[ROYT]

If that doesn't work enlarge the hole with a bigger drill to weaken the grip of the broken screw.

As ians200 says accurate centre punch mark before you start..

[Mike Floutier]

Thanks Roy,

Well, it all started well, I did my small pilot hole and then proceeded to try a larger drill bit.

Unfortunately the bit sheared off leaving it's tip in the hole.

Now I'm stumped, as it's got dark I thought it best to sleep on it and ask for suggestions.

I suppose I could try drilling around the captive drill bit with a small "super-hard" bit.

Not really sure how to proceed, any ideas welcome.

Thanks!

[ROYT]

If it's only the tip it might punch out from the other side if you can get to it.

This is the best bet if it's possible, worth spending time on.

Then start again with a slightly bigger drill..use only HSS drills and put some lubricant on it.

Failing this I think you may have to get it red hot and try to unscrew it with the extractor or anything that will grip it.

Getting it red hot and allowing it to cool [don't quench it] may soften the broken bit enough to drill it

Don't think you will drill against the broken piece as is, even with a diamond drill it will wander off centre