Bolt Stripped!

[MadisonT]

I am currently in the middle of taking off my power steering rack but I have run into a problem...

The hex head hollow bolt connecting the power steering return line to the steering gear housing is stripped. There are obvious teeth marks from someone using pliers/vice grip on it as well. I have tried with a vice grip to no avail, but its a really tight spot and the return line itself gets in my way of making any headway. Any advice?

I was thinking of taking off the return line WITH the rack and then removing it afterward when i have more room.

[rsrmike]

Originally Posted by MadisonT

I was thinking of taking off the return line WITH the rack and then removing it afterward when i have more room.

That's what I would do, that line a PITA either way... Try various pairs of Vice grips, especially the kind w/ rounded jaws for max surface area.

I probably have a good banjo fitting if you need it, it would be several days before you got it though... Proly not worth the hassle unless it gets boogered up too bad to reuse

Good luck

[mistertate]

stripping the head on a hollow bolt, and not just breaking it, now that takes talent. How much you want to bet it breaks when you try getting it off. Should be fun either way.

[MadisonT]

Originally Posted by rsrmike

That's what I would do, that line a PITA either way... Try various pairs of Vice grips, especially the kind w/ rounded jaws for max surface area.

I probably have a good banjo fitting if you need it, it would be several days before you got it though... Proly not worth the hassle unless it gets boogered up too bad to reuse

Good luck

ya, hopefully i just need some more room for better leverage, also I went out and got another one right after I saw the condition. Thanks though.

[SolReaver]

OXY-ACETELYNE torch!

[porsche4life]

I have these Deals called bolt extractors. Never tried them but they look promising.

Not the same brand but maybe you could try one of those?

[dangerous]

remove the rack
place it in vise with wood blocks (or B&D workmate)
take a slightly larger size 12pt allen socket (cheesehead)
hammer it into the stripped bolt
heat with heatgun if there's no rubber within a few inches
say a quick prayer and turn it

i've also gotten them out with SAE allen sockets too

[dangerous]

disregard my post
i didn't read yours closely
i thought you stripped the allen head where the line connects to the rack

[dangerous]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I have these Deals called bolt extractors. Never tried them but they look promising.

Not the same brand but maybe you could try one of those?

this is a good suggestion
i've used them too with good luck