Stripped Bolt Help
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 864
Likes: 56
From: U.s.
Stripped Bolt Help
The pictures aren't great in helping to describe what I've got going on but. I was mounting DK Customs Highway Peg Adjustable Mounting bracket. Brake lever side, no problem. Clutch side the bolt seized and I stripped the head. I've dealt with this before but since it was seized my extractor wouldn't work. So I started drilling, the head of the bolt came off so I grabbed my vise grips and started twisting then I broke what part of the bolt was sticking out off. Long story short now I have essentially a hollow bolt stuck about halfway in. I'm sure I'm going to have to get it re-tapped so should I just keep drilling? I've drilled all the way through so its hollow. Bigger and bigger drill bits? Should I take it to a dealership? I don't want it to void my warranty since it's technically part of the frame I guess? I've scratched the area all to hell. Sucks, I was really looking forward to having these on.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
take a plumbers torch and heat the frame part downwards, don't heat the bolt itself the idea is to expand the part around the bolt, then e-z out the little sucker. It's all scratched up now so after the bolt is out you can strip the paint right down and re-paint it, otherwise drill it and tap it to spec which is probably best and simplest. make sure you are going straight in, No i would not take it to the dealer and that will never void your warranty.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Any machine shop will have this out with minimal time/effort if you are not comfortable with this time of work. Not trying to be an ***, but I don't want you to bugger up your frame if you're unsure about this.
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Not sure if you got your project done or not, but I would grind off what is left of the broken bolt. Flush to the frame. Get a drill bit that fits in the hole to the left,(in your picture). Run that bit through the bad hole and re-tap.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,320
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
You've gotten off center and that will be a problem drilling it any bigger. Also using an Easy Out ( or similar extractor ) will be a problem because it will be grabbing the "frame" as you try to use it. Patience is in order here. Step back and take a deep breath. Heat is an option, however you could/should try a penetrating oil and give it time to work. Then I'd recommend some vibration and a punch/chisel to try and move/collapse the bolt. The vibration will ( generally ) allow the penetrate to get further into the threads and will aid in the loosening of the bolt. A "not too sharp" chisel will be an asset also. Too sharp of a chisel will cut what's left of the bolt off and make it harder to work with. Did I mention patience?