Extracting a Busted Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt

[Nugs Bunny]

It's recommended that the differential pinion shaft lock bolt be replaced whenever it's removed. They cost less than $2.00 and it must be removed to perform any repairs on most differentials.

A routine job such as replacing rear axle seals can turn into a nightmare if a weak lock bolt breaks. I have always replaced this bolt whenever I service a differential, $1.59 seems like pretty cheap insurance to me.

While attempting to replace the rear axle seals on my F-150 the lock bolt broke off, leaving some threads and the pin in the pinion shaft. Judging by the condition of the head of the bolt, it has been reused many times. This is the first time I have worked on the differential on this specific truck.

I searched the forums looking for ideas, there is no clearance for a drill and other than cut the pinion shaft or carrier I was out of ideas for the moment. I finally came across an extractor kit for $31.95 that promised a broken lock bolt could be removed in 5 minutes with it.

Well that was a lie... it only took about 3 minutes! I'm pretty stoked right now, it's not often stuff ordered off the internet works better than promised.

If you have faced this problem, or if you think it just sounds like a good tool to have on hand, it's sold by Fabbri Associates FABBRI ASSOCIATES

 

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[Higgy]

The proper tool wins again!

 

[Pinball]

That is the way it always seems to go for me...a short job turns into a long one because of something like a broken bolt!!! I am thrilled to see it worked out for you as I feel your pain on this one. Yes it is nice when something works as promised. Congratulations.

 

[RustyGold]

I used to do all my own mechanics on my vehicles and a tool like that is an awesome relief. Now I'm too old to get down under a truck unless I had to lol! Glad you got it out!
Thanks for the heads up on the tool!

 

[Nugs Bunny]

Thanks guys! This truck should have been finished last season, but a multitude of problems prevented that.

I know how you feel Rusty, I'm getting to that age myself, feels like I have been in a street fight after changing spark plugs.

 

[1shotwade]

Thanks for posting this! The pix looks like a standard set of "easy-outs". How does this kit differ?

Wade

OK,hey,scrap that;. I went on the link and found I didn't know what I was talking about,,,,,,,,again!
Wade

 

[Msbeepbeep]

I hear ya on that one the right tool saves the day, and your sanity!

 

[DBANDGB]

i had the same exact problem on my 89 f-150. i had no choice at the end of the day but to use a center punch & hammer it get the rest out. found another bolt at home and made it fit.

 

[flatbutton]

Congrats on getting that SOB out! Just FYI, the bolts that hold the bed on are just as bad. When I had the bodyshop, we used to put heat on the bolts to soften the threadlocker and try and remove them with a Impact wrench. Even then it was still a pain.

 

[NHBandit]

Very common on GM rear wheel drive cars & trucks. Fortunately they are nearly always very loose in the hole since there is only a thread or so left. I have had much sucess simply using an ice pick with a strong magnet stuck to the side of it and turned the broken piece out without having to resort to drilling. It helps to wiggle the pinion shaft slightly while trying to turn the broken piece with the tip of the ice pick. A really small screw driver will also work when used with a magnet. Never had to drill one out so far

 

[Nugs Bunny]

Very common on GM rear wheel drive cars & trucks. Fortunately they are nearly always very loose in the hole since there is only a thread or so left. I have had much sucess simply using an ice pick with a strong magnet stuck to the side of it and turned the broken piece out without having to resort to drilling. It helps to wiggle the pinion shaft slightly while trying to turn the broken piece with the tip of the ice pick. A really small screw driver will also work when used with a magnet. Never had to drill one out so far

This was on Ford 8.8 with Trac Lock and there is no clearance, so no such luck, it was loose but not loose enough to finangle out, it was a pretty clean break and there was nothing to snag on.

The kit worked so well I wouldn't bother trying anything else, in less cramped conditions I could have had it out in two minutes instead of three.