Broken sway bar bolt

[Rummy]

G'day Forum,

PROBLEM: I have broken off one of the bolts that hold the sway bar in place & it sheared off inside the sub frame.Whilst trying to drill bolt out i have pushed remaining bolt & nut inside the sub frame & am now at a loss of how to fix this PROBLEM!!!

QUESTION:Do i now have to cut a hole in sub frame to retrieve & remove this lost piece? If so where's the best place to do so?

Thanks Rummy.

[mcl1959]

Yes you will unfortunately - from memory the thread is actually cut into a larger piece of metal which forms the slot where the other end of the mount goes in. Rust inside the subframe eats away at it and broken bolts are common. I would cut into the bottom of the subframe around the entire mount area and repair the whole piece, then weld it back in.

Ken

[Rummy]

Thanks Ken for your quick responce, I had my fingers crossed their may have been another way as i have had no dealings with the internals of a sub frame.
Anyhow gives me another reason to TINKER!
The learning continues!
thanks again,the wealth of knowledge on this forum is excellent!!
Greg.

[FCRB26]

Fit a nutsert
Where are you located ?

[Rummy]

G'day Pete,Excuse my ignorance but what is a nutsert! I'm located in Tamworth
Greg

[mcl1959]

The problem with a nutsert is that what has been pushed into the subframe is part of the structure of the mount. The plate inside the subframe is about 25 x 50 mm and provides support for both the front and rear part of the sway bar mount - if it is that badly rusted that the whole thing bent upwards when drilled then this is a sign that there is more rust inside than meets the eye.

Ken

[FCRB26]

Yes it could be to rusty to fit a nutsert  but if it looks solid and you dont want to cut it apart and want to get it running again it could be a solution.

We fit them up to 12mm at work and they are extremelly solid



Look at 365days project he has fitted them to his front subframe to mount the guards.
i can send you some free of charge to try its just the guns worth 2500 dollars but you can fit them by using a bolt and washer to pull them in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWAStq241ug&feature=related

Pete

[Rummy]

G'day Pete,
Thanks for the info on nutserts, this could be an option as the sub frame itself seems quite good.Half the cause of the problem probably came from using a centre punch & blunt drill bits! worth a try first. I'll have a look at sourcing nutserts from here as there is a good fastener shop in town.thanks for the offer & info.
Greg.

[FCRB26]

Make sure you get knurled ones I'm happy  to send some up