Stuck bolts on carrier bearing

Not looking for help so much as sharing my experience. I rounded the bolts on my carrier bearing. I needed to drop my carrier bearing to fix some vibrations and noises after my OME lift. Anyway, I tried pounding a smaller socket on, soaking it with WD40 and 3-in-1 oil, using those grabit broken bolt removers, and wrapping the bolt head with rubber bands to try and grip. Nothing worked.

I suspected the bolt was seized against the washer. So I used my grinder to cut down through the bolt head and washer. Pounded the washer halves out with a hammer, then used a crowbar as a screwdriver. Massive PITA, but I hope this helps anyone if they run into a similar issue. Just make sure to stop before you grind through the CB mounding bracket.

 

Those don’t look too bad, did you try it with an impact? Zipped mine off. I always pre-soak for at least 2 hours with penetrating oil too.

 

CB replacement upcoming for me as it is totally shot (can see daylight through it). I soaked the bolts with Kroil-Oil yesterday and will have a go at it this week.

 

Yeah, tried my impact after a soak, no dice.
Turned a 10 minute job into an hour long one.

I was a bit hesitant with all of the oil leaks I have. Not to mention I’m throwing a p0442 error now, so I feel like sparks will cause everything to explode, lol. But I’ll file that away for future reference!

 

A 6 point socket would have worked. 12 point sockets have their place. I usually throw them behind the workbench for when I need to hammer out bushing or a bearing.