how ton get broken lock bolt out of diff spidershaft?

Question

working on my sons s10 truck,the lock bolt for spidershaft is broken off inside so i cannot get axles in enough to get c clips off,any suggestions

Answer 1

The mother of all nightmares, a broken bolt in a blind hole.

You have a couple of options should you choose to accept.

1. If accessable, the hole I mean, buy a cobalt drill bit that fits neatly into the hole and drill the remaining piece out enough top where the center pin falls out or can be removed.

2. Cut the center pin in 1/2 nearest the end that will not fall out. You'd have to use a saws-all so you don't create an oil fire.

I'd prefer option #1 since I can't envision how much space you have to work with to get a saw in there.

And for the love of sunshine, don't break the doggone cobalt drill bit off in the hole or you're really in sad shape.

You could just replace the whole rear end but man is that a fun project, too. U-bolts and brake cables and brake lines and driveshaft and having your son hold up the rear end of the truck for 1/2 a day.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Entire rear end at a salvage yard will only cost $125 (at least in Texas). That bolt will most likely never come out. Easy outs wont work on one that is that tight so I wouldnt waste your money. Good Luck