bolts broken off in hub

[m3f_parsi]

So I was getting my rear tires changed when one of the technicians called me over to point out that two adjacent bolts are broken off inside the hub. I just recently purchased the car so I am not sure if the tire guy did it or if it was a previous problem.



Either way I took it to a shop and they gave me an estimate of 450 to change the whole hub and bearing.



Is it possible for the bolts to be drilled into and pulled out rather than a whole hub replacement? Is it safe to drive on three bolts for the interim period?

[m3f_das borgen]

So I was getting my rear tires changed when one of the technicians called me over to point out that two adjacent bolts are broken off inside the hub. I just recently purchased the car so I am not sure if the tire guy did it or if it was a previous problem.


Either way I took it to a shop and they gave me an estimate of 450 to change the whole hub and bearing.


Is it possible for the bolts to be drilled into and pulled out rather than a whole hub replacement? Is it safe to drive on three bolts for the interim period?

drill out the old bolts? yes it can be done (probably your best course of action)


I would NEVER drive around on 3 bolts.....hell, even wth 4 I'd be leery


welcome and post a few pics of the car

[m3f_tbaker474]

Did you look at the car before you bought it? Did you have a prepurchase inspection performed? I have to imagine two snapped bolts would be hard to miss. My vote is that the tire guy did it.

[m3f_das borgen]

Did you look at the car before you bought it? Did you have a prepurchase inspection performed? I have to imagine two snapped bolts would be hard to miss. My vote is that the tire guy did it.

agreed.............. I'd lay the blame on them....but do it very very diplomatically with the management

[m3f_kingchris]

Use an easy out extractor.

[m3f_sivikvtec]

Did you look at the car before you bought it? Did you have a prepurchase inspection performed? I have to imagine two snapped bolts would be hard to miss. My vote is that the tire guy did it.

My bet is there was not a ppi.

[m3f_parsi]

Did you look at the car before you bought it? Did you have a prepurchase inspection performed? I have to imagine two snapped bolts would be hard to miss. My vote is that the tire guy did it.

Yeah most likely the tire guy did do it but sadly I've left already and don't think it would be feasible to go back and try and complain.



I did not have a prepurchase inspection performed . The car did come with all the maintenance work though and the car has been exceptionally maintained.



I called the local bmw indy shop and he referred me to a drill place nearby that he gauranteed would be able to get them out



Oh well I guess its not so bad

[m3f_Sammyzuko]

Broken wheel bolts are easy to get out. Just put a drill on the broken bolt and it'll spin the broken portion right out. If that doesn't work for you, then use the aforementioned bolt extractor ^. Shouldn't be a need to replace the hub.


Order new bolts. I would go ahead and order all new bolts(20) and make sure they're torqued to the proper specs.

[m3f_alanil]

Broken wheel bolts are easy to get out. Just put a drill on the broken bolt and it'll spin the broken portion right out. If that doesn't work for you, then use the aforementioned bolt extractor ^. Shouldn't be a need to replace the hub.



Order new bolts. I would go ahead and order all new bolts(20) and make sure they're torqued to the proper specs.

+1. Use some nice sharp drill bits, start small and work your way up. Be careful with extractors. If you break one of those off you'll be buying a new hub and bearing assembly.

[m3f_parsi]

+1. Use some nice sharp drill bits, start small and work your way up. Be careful with extractors. If you break one of those off you'll be buying a new hub and bearing assembly.

So drill into the bolt with a small, sharp bit and then drill the bit out and hope the bolt comes with it?

[m3f_tbaker474]

Forgot to mention, but use this as an opportunity to get rid of your bolts and swap to studs. Makes putting your wheels back on much easier.

[m3f_Sammyzuko]

One of my bolts broke once. I bought an extractor set and was ready to attack the issue. I started drilling the bolt and the bolt just spun out the back side of the hub. Problem solved.

[m3f_epj3]

Think of it this way... if it's messed up and made of some sort of weldable metal, it can be fixed. This goes for anything everywhere ever depending on how much money can be spent.

[m3f_adema24]

+1 on studs. make sure you get great quality studs. definitely not something you want to skimp on.

[m3f__XeRo_]

+1 on studs. make sure you get great quality studs. definitely not something you want to skimp on.

TC Kline