Snapped bolt !!!

[wezrvf]

I have managed to snap a little bolt in the bottom of my swingarm. It was only holding on a piece of plastic so wasn't under any stress at all, I gave it a slight nip and the head just snapped clean off, I don't know what it is with these Ducati bolts, they have no backbone, must be the type of cheese they use. I am gutted anyway, new bolt ordered, now need to figure out how to get the snapped bit out.

The piece currently residing in my swing arm is about 2mm in diameter and probably about 10mm long, it's tiny. Is this too small to use a screw extractor on?? Any help will be great as my tool box consists of a socket set !!!

Cheers guys.

[Dennis menace]

Is it a bolt that screws into a Rivnut? i.e. a threaded hole in the swingarm created by an insert? If so it will most likely rip out the Rivnut if it is that well seized. I had that problem and tapped the Rivnut and seized bolt into the cavity of the swingarm, cleaned up the hole and inserted the next, larger sized Rivnit into the hole (special tool need). Both the Rivnuts and insertion tool can be found on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Assorted-Metric-Aluminium-Steel-Nutsert-Rivnut-Rivet-Nuts-/290608803329?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item43a9a26e01

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RIVNUT-NUTSERT-SETTING-TOOL-SILVERLINE-M4-M5-M6-M8-/321588972113?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ae0324a51

[Darren69]

Is the swing arm on the Evo hollow tube or cast? The single sided swing arm on my 748 is cast and everything screws straight into the metal. If its hollow they may have used the dreaded threaded inserts that Dennis mentions and you may just be able to pop it out.

[wezrvf]

I have the 1200s now. No idea if it's a hollow swingarm or not. I was worried it wouldn't be an easy job.

[wezrvf]

It isn't seized as I had the bolt out. I didn't out it in tight either when it snapped. I am sure if I could get a turn on it it wouldn't take much force to get it out.

[Dirty]

I wouldn't worry, it's probably just holding the rear wheel on :)

[bazread]

I wouldn't worry, it's probably just holding the rear wheel on :)

Classic !!!!!! LMFAO :mand:

[wezrvf]

Haha. It's only holding a little plastic cable guard on and it has two bolts so is till in place but would rather sort it.

I am thinking of getting a skinny LH drill bit and giving it a go and see if it catches on it. This sounds like a good idea in my head !!!

[buzzbomb]

Cheese bolts...:banghead:

Butter fingers...:rolleyes:

[wezrvf]

Probably a mixture of both!! Honestly, It was just getting tight. I was only using a very small Allen key so wasn't getting a whole load of leverage on it.

Come on Buzzbomb, you are a man of some years, you must have an idea how to get it out ;)

[SteveM900]

Squirt with penetrating oil and use a pair of mole grips on the remaining bit sticking out. Shouldn't be that tight/seized on a new bike.

[wezrvf]

Is WD40 the right kind ??

There isn't any sticking out at all !! If I can just get a turn on it it will come out easy I am sure.

[Dirty]

If you can get something sharp in there you may be able to tap it round?

[Dookbob]

WD40 is a complete waste of time, you will get a better result from " Plus Gas ". Or " Duck Oil "

[wezrvf]

I am going to use a thin centre punch and see if I can tap it round slowly. That's my first approach !!!

[pegboy]

Try and put a groove across the bolt to have something to tap against

[wezrvf]

Job done !! Wasn't too bad. 15 mins and some patience and manages to tap it round with a tiny slot headed screw driver. Was worried about it all week.

Glad it out anyway. Thanks for all the advice guys !

[buzzbomb]

Now don't mess about get yourself some good quality stainless bolts and do the job right,
Pro-Bolt do a great range, not cheap but its your pride and joy so don't skimp...:idea:

[Dirty]

Or use some fresh dairy lea! :)

[bluestoesonnose]

Glad to hear you got it, you can get LH twist drill bits, I've found that these can loosen up sheared bolts when used and unscrew the bolt when you drill it out.

[wezrvf]

Was really happy to get it out. Left hand drill bits are now on my Christmas list. :)

[Dirty]

Along with a left handed drill hopefully :)

[lewis]

Was really happy to get it out. Left hand drill bits are now on my Christmas list. :)

I was going to mention these but someone already did and you managed to get it out.

But I had five 25 year old rusty front wing bolts on my car which snapped the head off and were flush with the sill. After drilling into them with the left handed drill bits, 3 of them wound clean out! The other 2 I re tapped. Would recommend them over easy outs for sure.