Crap. Found this broken large bolt in driveway, with pic.

[iacucv]

Went and picked up a ton and a quarter of rock. Truck drove great, actually seemed to love the weight. When I got home I unloaded some and went to hop in the back up, and noticed this bolt broken off and laying just inside the driver front tire.

The threads are obviously broken, it seems to be a 3/8" bolt and is about 3 3/4" to where it broke. It was covered in oil, but I have a front main leak that is on the to do list along with a new harmonic dampened.

so, anyone have an idea where this came from and hopefully save me some back time in the muddy driveway?


Oh, I also had a shop replace my water pump recently. Is it possible it is something they did?

 

[350TacoZilla]

that looks like a starter bolt to me, not sure though.

 

[Recovry4x4]

That is certainly a starter bolt, without a doubt.

 

[tractors0130]

With that knurled part by the threads, I would say it is a starter bolt also. Have you crawled under your truck to check? If it's yours, it's broke off in the block; hopefully enough threads to grab, not the end of the world.

 

[patracy]

Unless it took a chunk of the block with it....

Also check that the angle bracket tab is still on the starter near the motor mount. If not, make one, NOW.

 

[Warthog]

It is a BROKEN starter bolt. Need to replace both of them before you break the starter or the block.

 

[91W350]

You did not share the end of it, but normally, you can catch a ridge where they break and tap gently with a small punch counter clock wise to back them out. Sometime the stub in the block can be twisted with a small screw driver. You are far from the first to have this wonderful experience. Go to your GM dealer and get two new bolts. I second the angle bracket to the block from the end of the starter.

 

[Dabba]

Broken Starter bolt. Have fun drilling it out. I couldnt, cost me 3 hours of labor at the mechanics. Dont try to start or use the truck until you get it sorted out. and yes the brace is a must. Mine rattled loose.

 

[steelandcanvas]

The knurles gave it away as a starter bolt. Drill it and use an easy-out to back the broken piece out. Don't bust the easy-out off, then you have to drill it with a carbide drill and use heli-coil, and then find the exact length bolt. Don't ask me how I know about the heli-coil part...good luck.

 

[91W350]

I would try mechanical removal before drilling, if you do drill, use a reverse ground bit so if it catches the bolt, it backs the bolt out instead of driving it farther in. No sense making a bad deal worse....

 

[dependable]

Reverse drill bits are a wonderful thing. Have a nice set of Hansons with an extractor kit, one of the best tool purchases I ever made.

 

[iacucv]

Thanks guys. Didnt really need another project, but looks like I got one!

 

[Recovry4x4]

This just serves me as a reminder. Ordered 5 bolts and 3 nose brackets a minute or 5 ago.

 

[iacucv]

Quick question for y'all, it was recommended to go to a stealership for the bolts, is there a big difference between the OEM and what I would get at NAPA or the like?

 

[jdknech]

Quick question for y'all, it was recommended to go to a stealership for the bolts, is there a big difference between the OEM and what I would get at NAPA or the like?

the ones from NAPA and the like tend to brake off easier... the AC delco ones i got from chevy didnt brake off.. my dealership had to order them, but it was only $20-ish for 5 bolts.. so to me it was worth it...

 

[Warthog]

The factory bolts are the best. Sometimes the dealer has them in stock, sometimes not.

I order mine from my local Oreilly's (on the way to work). Saves me driving to the dealer. I order 10 at a time (comes in a box of 5).

 

[iacucv]

K thanks guys. The dealership is a good drive, maybe ill run some napa ones until I get over to the dealer. Need to get up and running, got another ton or so of rock to get and a ton of dirt that needs hauled!

 

[Joeinderry]

To get broken bolts out I usually mig weld a nut to the broken stud and just use a socket to back it out. The welding heats the stud and they usually brake free. Good luck.

 

[Hasdrubal]

I bought 4 AC Delco starter bolts for $ 1.48 each on Glamazon a while back..

 

[Triple C]

If you can't weld a nut on, go with Glen's suggestion and use left twist drill bits. I broke one off in my 6.5 and the left twist bit backed it right out, didn't even need the easy out. As Patracy suggested be sure the bracket on the end of the starter is tight, otherwise you will be doing it again (I know from experience!)