Eh! Stripped Header Bolts

[BASS]

Ok, I was trying to remove the passenger side header because the last arm has a dent in it. I stripped (i.e. rounded the heads of the bolts) of two of the bolts . Anyone know how I would be able to remove them? I was thinking about using an impact wrench, as I can maybe still be able to get the wrench to grab just a little?? By the way, the motor is on a stand, so any suggestions would be pretty easy to do....Thanks

 

[GN Bob]

Before you try again, soak them with Kroil, its the best rusted bolt loosener I have ever used. Its available on their web site. Spray them a couple of times for a day or two.

Try tapping them straight on with a hammer, this can crush any rust that may still be there. Then you can get Craftsman stripped bolt head extractors which are sockets with a reversed swirled inside. They bite into the stripped head and have worked for me before.

Good luck.

Bob

 

[jpwalt1987]

A can of PB BLASTER and some square jaw vise grips usually works for me. some times you have to put a little heat on too. If all else fails get out the hot wrench(cutting torch) :biggrin:. good luck, jeremy

 

[jacksorroche]

Don't use the impact, it will only round the bolt heads more. Use the PB or other bolt spray to loosen them up and use the vice grips. You can also go to Sears and get sockets that are specialy made for rounded bolts. The sockets have some pins in the middle that will fit around the rounded bolt tightly to allow grip.
They work great.

 

[BASS]

Yeah, I put PB Blaster on the bolts before I tried, but it looks like ill get those special sockets from Sears and try...Thanks

 

[JRNYMNDAVID]

Removal

Before you try again, soak them with Kroil, its the best rusted bolt loosener I have ever used. Its available on their web site. Spray them a couple of times for a day or two.

Try tapping them straight on with a hammer, this can crush any rust that may still be there. Then you can get Craftsman stripped bolt head extractors which are sockets with a reversed swirled inside. They bite into the stripped head and have worked for me before.

Good luck.

Bob

If all else fails,tack weld an old socket to the bolt head.
You can notch the socket to allow better penetration of the weld.
Use an old socket.It will be unusable,but,problem solved.
If using a electric as opposed to a gas welder,take precautions not to mess up your computer.Remove battery cables.