Snapped Subframe Bolt

[Ashley Burton]

Evening All,

Want to get some advice on a snapped subframe bolt. The bolt is below the surface, So any suggestions?

Welding onto it is out of the question, Also the bolt is at an angle, So drilling it out is going to be a challenge!

Look forward to hearing peoples suggestions

 

[Fazerruss]

Centre punch then start with a small drill and work your way up in size untill just small than the threads.
Knock in an Allen key so it's a tight fit and gently undo.

 

[Dcal]

Any pictures?
Did it break while you were trying to take it out?
Can you remove the sub-frame to get at the remains of the bolt?

I've had good success with the approach Frazerruss suggests (using spline or torx drives instead of allen keys) but if it was so tight it broke while removing it (rusted in?) you will struggle to get it out without drilling it out completely or getting good access.

 

[500e]

Not a Volvo by any chance

 

[Ashley Burton]

Any pictures?
Did it break while you were trying to take it out?
Can you remove the sub-frame to get at the remains of the bolt?

Not with the vehicle atm, But the bolt is about 15mm below the surface. M12, So will take some drilling. I could remove the subframe, But I don't think it will make a massive difference with access tbh.

Not a Volvo by any chance

BMW

 

[frank horton]

on that size of bolt I drill a pilot slightly off center, then open the hole up with a larger drills till ur just shy or u just touch the threads on 1 side of the hole.......
the with a fine punch and or chisel knock out the fat bit..the exposed threads will just crumble......
smaller bolts up to 8mm/ 5/16 I just drill out in the normal way and re-tap......
have a set of Cobalt drills just for this job.......they eat bolts like CHEEEEESE......
nnormally do this on the mill but appreciate ur problem....
u will need a tap to clean up........
......
OUT of interest, I buy the older vehicle to use....
I gradually during servicing and spare time undo every nut and bolt and oil them up.....over the 4 years I've had my 1999, T4 there's nothing that can't be undone easily....
this is my forever car/van........so worh it for me.......
yes I'm a bit sad......but all the troubles with seized bolts over the years has tought me well.......it aint gonna happen on anything I own...most of my vehicles I've had over 30 years......
don't mind clients seized bolts, I make money from them..........hahaha...
good luck....