Help! Broken bolts!

[KivaKid]

Howdy!

Any suggestions on how to get out broken u-joint strap bolts out of my rear output shaft's yoke? I've tried to drill them out, but no success. It seems like it would be much easier if the yoke were out, but how hard is that?

[porkchop]

An easy out works great. You can pick up the set at most auto parts stores. Do you have an air compressor? That is the easiest way to get the yoke off. Use the air hammer on the 1 1/8 inch nut that holds it on. Once that is off the yoke slides right off. If you don't have an air hammer than you can pull the favors factor from a friend and have them hold the yoke with a big cresant while you take off the yoke nut.

[KivaKid]

Kool! So it IS reasonable to take off the yoke! Thanks! I have a set of Easy-Outs, so that will be much easier in a vise!

[ April 13, 2002: Message edited by: KivaKid ]</p>

[jeepbob]

Have you trie a left handed drill bit? The actually drill in the reverse direction and usually will unscrew the broken bolt. Also use an impact gun and socket rather than an air hammer and chisel.

[ April 13, 2002: Message edited by: jeepbob ]</p>

[KivaKid]

My problem is: I tried to get a drill bit in the broken bolt first, and I just could not get it to take. My plan was to then use the Easy-Out, but I just can't do what I need to do underneath, I need some work room and leverage, so I think taking it out is a good option.

[KivaKid]

Oh, I don't have any air tools, so it will be a grunt job!

[LRRH]

still not that tough. my buddies 82 chero ripped the straps off by the t'case about 2 weeks ago. we removed the yolk, and then drilled out the bolts. all jeep/eagle NP should have the same yolk, so see if you can get an unmangled one for pretty cheap too!!

we did it all by hand pretty easily.

[ April 13, 2002: Message edited by: LRRH ]</p>

[KivaKid]

My yoke looks to be in good shape, I am debating a new set of u-joint straps, I got bolts already, of course new straps prolly come with new bolts. Where can I the straps, anyway?

[porkchop]

The best thing to do is drill out the yoke and install u-bolts. Much stronger. The easyout kits come with the reverse drill bit.

Sorry if I was missleding with the air hammer thing. I was talking about a impact gun that is why I mentioned the socket that is needed. Sorry.

[xj2fsj]

you can get new straps or u- bolts at NAPA. all the sizes are listed in the back of their u-joint catalog and also list the u-joints they fit. And they do come with new bolts.

[Scott]

I did the same thing (broke a bolt off in the yoke). I drilled it and tried to use an easy out, didn't work, the easy out just keeps spinning. So I'm going to drill out all 4 holes and install U-Bolts, much better.