6 replies to this topic

[kenzie22]

basically i tried to change my tie rods yesterday and the bolt snapped (rusted as ****) and wont budge, best way to get it out?

[olds_kool_lews]

is it the small bolt that connects the tie rod to the bottom arm? if the bolt has sheered, try lots of wd40, let that soak, then try drift it out with a hammer and a punch, or a small screwdriver but be carefull!

[Big_Adam]

You mean the one that goes through the bottom arm & tie rod?

I had the same problem. Ended up grinding the bolt off flush on both ends then tapping it out with a punch. I did have the arm off the car at the time so I could mount it in a vice. You'll prob have to put a stack of wood under it to take all the spring out.

Unless it;s a different bolt.

[kenzie22]

Yeah that bolt, there was me thinking it was an easy job. but of course its a mini nothing is easy

[MRA]

It might need some penetrating oil and a drift...

In this case a drift could be bought from Halfords, but it needs to be smaller than 5/16" or 7.9mm in diameter and a steel block to rest it on, this will only really work if it's the head that has sheared off, if it's the threaded end then you may need to remove the old tie bar and ower arm assy, using a vice to hold the parts and the drift to remove the rusted in bolt.

Using penetrating fluid / oil, normally requires that you let it soak in for a period of time to get the best results

[kenzie22]

Cheers for all the replies

[Ethel]

You could squeeze it it in big vice with some well placed packing, take the arm to someone with a hydraulic press, or drill it. Drill it a bit under size, in case you miss the centre, then increase the drill size to just break through.