13mm Unit bearing bolt question
09-07-2016 | 03:28 PM
#1
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Lahaina, Hawaii
13mm Unit bearing bolt question
I broke off a unit bearing bolt while preparing to install new ball joints. 
Does anyone know where to get new ones and the best way to get the remaining part of the bolt out? I am stuck, any advice will help.
Thank you
Does anyone know where to get new ones and the best way to get the remaining part of the bolt out? I am stuck, any advice will help.Thank you
09-07-2016 | 04:31 PM
#3
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: missoula,mt
If you have an air chisel hit the broken stud with a blunt end chisel and it will pop right out. Just support the retainer in a vise or similar. A large vise and socket will work to replace the new stud. If you try and suck it in with the nut you can screw up the threads
Last edited by jadmt; 09-07-2016 at 04:34 PM.
09-07-2016 | 05:05 PM
#4
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Midwest City, OK
Assuming the latter, you're able to remove unit bearing with busted bolt in it. An easy-out is one way I've used--just ensure to drill in center and straight. You can also use a chisel or die grinder or Dremel tool to make a slot in the top of the broken shaft, then use a screwdriver to turn it out. If using die grinder, be cautious to minimize cut into unit bearing material. My experience is that banging and twisting will make it easy to turn out once you have something to grab onto. A little penetrating oil will help, as does a certain measure of cussing.
Last edited by Mark Doiron; 09-07-2016 at 05:07 PM.
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09-07-2016 | 08:09 PM
#5
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From: missoula,mt
I think you're talking about the wheel lug nut stud, and OP is talking about the three twelve-sided 13 mm bolts the hold the unit bearing to the axle flange.
Assuming the latter, you're able to remove unit bearing with busted bolt in it. An easy-out is one way I've used--just ensure to drill in center and straight. You can also use a chisel or die grinder or Dremel tool to make a slot in the top of the broken shaft, then use a screwdriver to turn it out. If using die grinder, be cautious to minimize cut into unit bearing material. My experience is that banging and twisting will make it easy to turn out once you have something to grab onto. A little penetrating oil will help, as does a certain measure of cussing.
Assuming the latter, you're able to remove unit bearing with busted bolt in it. An easy-out is one way I've used--just ensure to drill in center and straight. You can also use a chisel or die grinder or Dremel tool to make a slot in the top of the broken shaft, then use a screwdriver to turn it out. If using die grinder, be cautious to minimize cut into unit bearing material. My experience is that banging and twisting will make it easy to turn out once you have something to grab onto. A little penetrating oil will help, as does a certain measure of cussing.
09-08-2016 | 06:40 PM
#7
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Lahaina, Hawaii
I used my breaker bar and it started to turn then tightened up a little and snapped. I'm shipping my Jeep from Maui to Seattle in 8 days. This is not a fun jon
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09-08-2016 | 07:09 PM
#8
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From: Knoxville
Getting the remaining piece out will depend on how much is left in there.
The ....13 and newer IIRC, have a smaller diameter head on the bolt. If you buy old bolts you may have to grind them to fit. You shouldn't have problems with new bolts.
And it's possible to drive / ship it with just 2 of the 3 bolts in place if you need to do so. I wouldn't suggest making a habit of it but if you *need* to do so then it won't kill you.
The ....13 and newer IIRC, have a smaller diameter head on the bolt. If you buy old bolts you may have to grind them to fit. You shouldn't have problems with new bolts.
And it's possible to drive / ship it with just 2 of the 3 bolts in place if you need to do so. I wouldn't suggest making a habit of it but if you *need* to do so then it won't kill you.
