My XJ is kickin my ass

[Yellow XJNJ]

When my tranny crossmember snapped off 2 weeks ago, I hadnt realized that a bolt got stuck inside the frame rail. Well, I got all my new parts (new crossmember, bolts, bushings) So I borrowed some tools from work and came on home to work on the XJ. Well, I started drilling into the bolt..nothing. Tried 3 different drill bits. Dad went out and bought me a BRAND NEW set of bits and easy-outs. Well, the first attempt put a clean hole right through the bolt. So then I worked the Easy-out in...negative. So I drilled a little more, snapped the drill bit. I ended up losing 4 drill bits to this damn bolt in a matter of 10 min. Well, after working on this bolt a little bit more, I tried the easy out again. Well, as the drill bits set an example, the easy out snapped in half inside the bolt. Now im kinda up the creek here and my paddle got stolen by the natives.

I dont know what the hell to do. If I didnt like my hair so much, Id be pulling it out. I need a beer.

 

[JJ13]

lol, been there. Working as a millwright it is always my job to come get the bolt out after someone else has broke it off. You might try some heat on the bolt, and get a punch and beat the hell out of the thing. Sometimes you just need to "shock" the thing to break it free. Good luck, and may the force be with you.

P.S. It can't hurt to spray some pb blaster or similar penetrant on it.

 

[Crunch]

How did you manage to 'snap' the crossmember off a 2001?

I've beat the tar out of mine and have only dented it to hell. I've even screwed up having it in 180 degrees wrong and it still didn't 'snap' off.

Wish I had a good answer for your problem. My friend works in a body shop and straightens the unibody rails by cutting a hole in the floorboard to access the inner rail and then tacks the floor back down. Maybe that is an option to access your broken bolt and then nut and bolt the crossmember back on.

HTH,
Crunch

 

[seanR]

If you can find the hole where the E-Z out is broken, Take a small punch and beat on the broken E-Z out, it is very brittle and will shatter and fall out in pieces. I am currently working on getting the broken shock mount bolts out of mine. Good luck

 

[woody]

Needs to be on one of the tech forums!

Thanks

 

[Yellow XJNJ]

I so sorry. I didnt mean to make this out as a tech prob. just a bad rant on my bad last month. This is my DD and its been out for almost 30 days. And Im to the point where I dont think I can fix, so tomorrow, Im calling a few shops. Sorry guys. Im just aggrivated.