Damaged threads for driveshaft carrier bearing support member

Snapped one of the bolts holding the driveshaft carrier bearing cross member. When drilling out the part stuck inside we may have damaged the threads.

1. How important is that bolt? Brace seems to be supported by rivets. I just need someone to tell me its no big deal.
2. What would be the fix? Can you replace the nut inside or do you have to replace the whole cross member?

 

Not a big deal, take your bolt to Ace or your local hardware store, figure out the thread size and buy a tap, 2 flute is better than 4.

Center punch the broken bolt in the hold, drill it through, starting small and plenty of oil, probably with 3/16" bit. It doesn't need to be perfectly centered. Being upside down, drill, stop, dip bit in oil and restart.

gradually increase the drill bit size till you get close to the tip of the thread, chances are, the remaining of the broken bolt will come out by itself. Chase the thread out with new tap, done.

Be patient, you can always drill a little more.

 

Use a reverse cut drill bit. It cuts counterclockwise. A lot of broken bolts come out while drilling with these. I would soak the broken bolt and threads with liquid wrench or kroil penetrating oil first. Good luck.

 

Take that mig welder in the second picture and and tack a large nut thru the center to the broken piece and extract.