Sheared off bolt (step bar install)

Installer sheared off a bolt while installing my step bars. Didn't notice it till recently and it's been about 3 years, so I doubt they'll do anything.

Should I leave it alone or get someone to remove it? It's kinda bugging me, but I don't want to risk damaging the body attempting to remove it.

 

I would fix it just because I know it would bug me but if it's been fine for 3 years, it's probably not going to hurt much to just leave it. Or you could just get sliders.

 

How difficult would it be to remove? I don't want a Billy bob mechanic going nuts with a drill and chewing up the surrounding metal.

 

Post a pic so we can get an idea on what your dealing with

 

It would bother me, too.

I'd MIG weld a nut to the broke bolt and remove and replace.

 

if it's been fine for 3 years leave it alone.

 

I'll get a pic uploaded once the rain stops. Effing hurricanes!

 

Little late, here are a couple pics:

 

Drill a small hole in the center of the bolt and get an extractor on that and pull it out.

 

Would you link me to an extractor for the job? I'm tool challenged

 

Hit it with some PB Blaster, let it sit for 20 minutes, then use a drill. Most of the time they will just back out while you are drilling, but those bolts are in a spot where they will probably get a bit corroded. If it doesn't back out, then get an extractor. Get a replacement bolt at your local auto parts store.

 

I just hope it's not cross threaded.

 

This is one example. You can get them at auto parts stores and most hardware stores, or the big boxes.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Screw-Extractor-Set/999957791

It's most likely gonna be frozen in there so be prepared for a battle. PB Blaster is your friend!

 

When you are drilling, use a left-handed drill bit. If you are lucky the bit will grab the bolt and back it out.

 

Acentone and transmission fluid 50/50 mix works good too

 

The bolt should be soaked wit PB blaster. Then you need to center punch the bolt and then use the correct drill bit for the extractor. Easy job any hardware or partsman worth a damn can show you .

 

Lol, I have this image of being covered in tranny fluid, PB blaster and metal shavings.

Should I be ok with a 20v Cordless drill or should I borrow a wired one?

 

Honestly, I'd run a self tapping screw next to it and call it good.

 

Those bolts have Loctite on them from the factory. Be careful you don't break the extractor if you go that route. Sometimes, the heat of drilling the center of the bolt will help loosen the Loctite.

I would drill out the center then soak it for about a week with some type of penetrating oil before I tried extracting it. Like BeeBop said, the ATF acetone mix works well.

 

How long are those bolts just to give me an idea of how far to drill?

I'll grab some PB Blaster next weekend, hose it good and let it sit for a few days.

Thanks all