I broke a bolt, what now? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

nodrogkam · 11-29-2005, 11:29 PM

Hey...
A while back i was a genius and decided to over tighten a bolt on my crankcase...and well...it snapped. So half the bolt is in there (the part with the threads) and the rest i just sorta stick in the hole cos it stays there.

I think i've only got REAL minor leaks according to my mehcanic who didnt suspect a broken bolt so didnt tell me anything...but i was wondering how much this might run me and could i possibly fix it myself?

Thanks for all the help and happy holidays!

Nad1370 · 11-29-2005, 11:44 PM

If you didn't strip it going in then it's easier to take out.

I'd take the valve cover off and see if there is any part of the bolt sticking out. If there is then try to work it out.

If the broken part is down in the hole, also try to work it out with a small flat blade screwdriver.
If this doesn't work you might have to invest in some drill bits and " easy out " bits.
Once you drill a small hole in the center of the broken stud. Just use the easy out bits to take it out.

nodrogkam · 11-29-2005, 11:48 PM

well the picture doesnt show it too well but the thing is the bolt is snapped in half. the picture shows as if there is no problem. thats only because i just put the bolt back in there...its just not doing anything anymore. The other half of the bolt is still held inside and i guess its also held on by the nut thats on the bottom side of the crankcase. I might try removing that to get it all out and then buying a replacement bolt from toyota.

But i mean if i dont need to i'll just leave it this way.
After hard driving for over a month its been fine...its just a bit oily around that area.

Thanks for your input tho!

leasaunce · 11-29-2005, 11:48 PM

Yes! U Should!!

warlock · 11-29-2005, 11:54 PM

yes you should. that is one of the most comon place for the 1mz to leek oil with all the bolts.

nodrogkam · 11-29-2005, 11:56 PM

well off to the dealer i go then...=\

Any idea the costs? I'm definately going to try to replace this myself...but it'd be nice to know the costs too...and perhaps the costs of labor if they have to do it for me...

Thanks

Nad1370 · 11-30-2005, 12:06 AM

They'll probably charge you 2 hours of labor time + parts ( valvecover gasket, bolt )

warlock · 11-30-2005, 12:36 AM

if you where to take the valve cover off could you get to it with plyers? you could take it off your self. or if not and you trust your self you can take a small drill bit and drill a holeinto the bolt and use a (easyout) to get it out. that is what thay would do at the shop. that way the cost would only cost you the cost of the bolt and the new gasket. and get a new gasket you are already losing oil. it will save you in time

nodrogkam · 11-30-2005, 12:39 AM

ah crap...talk about a wallet buster...but i'll sure think about it.

hmmm well maybe its time to ask my parents for a different car....bleh...

btw...i know this is a toyota forum and i love toyotas but this new civic si thats coming out in decemeber has really got my eye...its a great price and performance wise its really pretty good. any opinions on that?

Nad1370 · 11-30-2005, 12:42 AM

Honestly..I'd take the new Civic over the new Corolla.

nodrogkam · 11-30-2005, 12:46 AM

i would only take the new civic coupe or civic si over the corolla.

warlock · 11-30-2005, 01:03 AM

if you can get a new si go for it. just keep us in mind and come back and say HI once in a while

nodrogkam · 11-30-2005, 07:51 AM

Oh i will for sure! Besides...we still have an 05 highlander and an 01 rolla!

dirtdiggler · 11-30-2005, 09:11 AM

use a small diameter ez-out and run it in reverse slowly.

dirt diggler

shanzhu1 · 11-30-2005, 09:27 AM

Minor difference is that the bolt broken located on the rear valve cover
(I got V6), but in front side (fortunately).

For me, it was not hard to take the broken part out: since it broke when I
over tightened it, the lower portion of the bolt (the tip) is out of the thread
hole of the valve case. Just use a small plier to screw the tip out (down direction
as if you want to tighten it!!!). I did it
in 5 minutes. It was a shock when I broke it. If it were on the other side, then
I would not be able to reach it.

Your case seems to be simple, but you need to if the bolt tip got outside of
the botton part.

After you get it out, go to a dealer and spend ~$2 to get a new one

.

SZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodrogkam

Hey...
A while back i was a genius and decided to over tighten a bolt on my crankcase...and well...it snapped. So half the bolt is in there (the part with the threads) and the rest i just sorta stick in the hole cos it stays there.

I think i've only got REAL minor leaks according to my mehcanic who didnt suspect a broken bolt so didnt tell me anything...but i was wondering how much this might run me and could i possibly fix it myself?

Thanks for all the help and happy holidays!