Please help -- broke bolt while installing new SSV
 

I was installing a new SSV yesterday and overtightened the top bolt, breaking the bolt off in the threaded hole (of the air intake manifold?).

It seems like the SSV is in there pretty tight with just the lower bolt in place. I'm tempted to put some liquid gasket on it and hope it holds tight. How stupid would this be? I really don't want to try my luck with an extractor or removing the manifold.

Do you like vacuum leaks? Because that's how you get vacuum leaks.

Get yourself a left-hand drill bit a mm or three smaller than the bolt. Since you're spinning the drill bit in reverse (being left-handed), it should dig in a bit and then start unscrewing the bolt.

+1^

I've removed many broken bolts this way.
The LH drill both heats and relieves the tension on the broken bolt and they will often back right out with the drill.

I have a 90° degree air drill, but there are 90° attachments for less than $40 if you don't have or want to invest in one.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...ceb47c3d45.jpg

Ok, thanks for the push in the right direction, guys. I k ew it was a bad idea, but needed to hear it from someone else too. I really hope I can get this damn bolt out. Grrrrrrr.

It's best if you can get a centerpunch to center your drill.
Idk exactly where that bolt is, but if you can get it centered and keep your drill from walking your chances for a clean extraction are much better.

Did you actually unbolt everything and try to see if it will just screw out? A lot of times it will just come out easily without any tension on it. It’s not like it was stuck and broke trying to take it out; just the opposite. It helps if you always use anti-seize on any bolt you remove before reinstalling it. I can’t stress this enough for anyone who intends for DIY repairs.

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+1^. When I was putting my engine in I put it on everything.

When you're right, you're right. I was being sloppy and skipped the torque wrench and antiseize even though I have both in the garage.

I have an extractor set and will attempt to resolve this this weekend thanks for the help, guys.

Well maybe you didn’t understand in my post that an extractor may not be needed. I recommend trying to see if it will unscrew first before doing any drilling etc.

Both bolts ended up breaking. Had to extract them both. All better now.

Good news.

For the benefit of others, how did you 'extract' them?

Had to remove the SSV and use an extractor drill bit.

Yes, we've all done it..., but one learns quickly that the first principle in wrenching is "do no harm". :nono:.

Cross-threaded nuts..., stripped or broken bolts..., tiny bits dropped into inaccessible places..., missed/forgotten steps that require re-disassembly to correct will ruin your day. :banghead:. Conversely, slow and steady is the way. :icon_tup: