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Remove a sheared bolt.

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Tullamore

Tullamore

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I haven't had my car that long and when I was looking at my alternator (car originally had gen) I noticed the top bolt that would hold it to the front of the engine had sheared off.

The sheared bolt is flush with the alternators flange on both sides.

How would I remove this thing? Do I need to just get a new alternator?
 
If you remove the alternator does any of the bolt shaft show? Or is it flat with whatever it screws into? Engine block I would guess. If any shaft is showing you could heat it and try a vise grip or there is a stud removing tool that uses a breaker bar or rachet.

Bruce
 
Tullamore, take a dremel and cut a slot across the bolt about as deep as you can go without damage to the flange stick a flat head screwdriver in and see if it will turn. If you take it off just drill it out useing a small drill to start the increase in stages. Wayne
 
Using the Dremmel is the best way to go. If that doesn't work -- I bought a "bolt out" kit @ Sears for ~ $15.

You'd probably have to drill a smaller hole into the "dead bolt". Attach the "bolt out" to a socket head and turn slowly. I've had great luck with this (unforetunately; rather not have the prob in the first place).

Good Luck -

Geo Zeck
 
A neat trick I've used for years in this situation involves using a left-handed drill bit. As implied, left-handed drill bits cut when they turns "backwards" (counter-clockwise). Choose a LH drill bit that's about 1/2 to 3/4 of the size of the broken stud. Center punch before drilling. Obviously, you'll have your electric hand drill set in reverse. Often, once the drill has cut into the stud a 1/4" or so, it will "catch" and the stud will unwind out.
To be honest, I don't really *buy* LH drill bits for this job: I resharpen normal drill bits so that they are "backwards" as far as the cutting edges are concerned.
 
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