bottom engine cover question

So during my oil change, I discovered that of the 4 bolts for the lower engine cover, one of them had rusted and the bolt head broke off. The previous owner used a zip tie in that corner. I'm suspecting that this is why I hear some banging noise when going over curbs.

What is the best way of extracting the remaining bolt? How much is it for a new engine cover?

 

lower engine cover? You mean the engine skid plate?

 

Ur talkiing about the factory skid plate right... autozone sells bolt extractors, never used one so don't know exactly how they work

 

I would try and drill it out and re tap the threads. Can't really say much more without a pic

 

not the front skid plate, but the engine cover towards the rear where there's an opening for the oil drain plug

 

Go to autozone and get an easyout. If that doesnt work you'll have to drill and tap.

 

Damn.. just found the part.. its $100 for that thing.. FACK

 

...Maybe it's because I have a TRD OR, but the opening for my engine oil drain plug is in the rear section of the engine skid plate...

Granted "skid plate" may be a bit too strong a term for what Toyota bolts on down there...

 

Are you thinking you have to replace the rear skid plate because you (or the previous owner) sheared one of the bolts that holds it on? That doesn't seen necessary from the way you've described the problem.

Just remove the other 3 bolts that hold the plate on, the use an extractor kit as suggested earlier on the one sheared stud. Probably a good idea to soak the other bolts with WD-40 just in case they are rusted on too before you remove them.

That second plate is a fairly simple, flat piece. I've seen them get pretty mangled up by getting caught on something when backing up on the trail. Guys usually just take them off, hammer them flat again and put them back on.

 

I deleted the rear piece...makes changing oil much easier/less messy on 1st Gens.

 

hMM i'M THInking it's there for reason? the components behind the engine is prolly more prone to damage...

 

I've been leaving both of mine off... I'm not off roading and don't miss the extra weight at all...no problems in 70k miles yet.

 

I just leave mine on because I HEART PROTECTION! an it makes me feel like my truck has the protection of a trophy truck...

 

The radiator pokes out underneath the front bumper... at least it does with my 03 bumper..