Sheared off braze-on.

[Donger]

A while ago I removed all of my pannier racks to lighten my bike. This included two front racks that were each mounted on a pair of braze-on bolts on the front (steel) forks. After removing the racks I put the bolts back in place and forgot about them.

I recently noticed that the bolts were getting a little rusty, and set about replacing them. Unfortunately one of them had seized in place, and sheared off when trying to remove it. Any advice as to how to remove the remaining seized up end of the bolt from the fork? Penetrating oil and pliers or any ingenious solutions that have worked in the past for any of you?

 

[fossyant]

Drill, or if you pop in Aldi they did have some seized bolt remover bits for a drill, they may have some left, but.... it's a bit risky on a nice frame.

Take it to a proper bike shop.

 

[simongt]

Looks like you'll probably have to drill it out. If so, make certain that you have the fork solidly clamped and a VERY steady hand on the drill.

 

[screenman]

How much of it can you get hold of? I hope it is already being soaked I penetrating oil.

 

[Donger]

How much of it can you get hold of?

Only a couple of mil exposed, and not a straight shear off. I was wondering whether it would be possible to weld something to the exposed remaining part of the bolt to get more purchase before having another go at it ..... but seems a bit Wallace and Gromit as a solution.

 

[Donger]

If drilling, I guess I'd do well to saw it off completely flat before attempting anything?

 

[screenman]

Only a couple of mil exposed, and not a straight shear off. I was wondering whether it would be possible to weld something to the exposed remaining part of the bolt to get more purchase before having another go at it ..... but seems a bit Wallace and Gromit as a solution.

If you have the equipment and skill I can see that working, it is sometimes used in the motor trade.

 

[screenman]

If drilling, I guess I'd do well to saw it off completely flat before attempting anything?

Or grind it flat.

 

[Tim Hall]

Is the braze on on the edge of the fork or set into it? If the former, can you get to the other end of the sheared off bolt?

 

[Donger]

Is the braze on on the edge of the fork or set into it? If the former, can you get to the other end of the sheared off bolt?

Set into it, I'm afraid.

 

[steve50]

squirt it daily with plusgas, get a stud remover from Aldi, drill the remains of the bolt carefully, squirt with plusgas, whack it with a hammer carefully , squirt with plusgas, insert the extractor and screw it out.

 

[Donger]

Wish I could have given that two likes .... one for the advice and one for the juxtaposition of "whack" and "carefully".

 

[cardiac case]

The welding idea will work.

Personally I'd use TIG and drill a countersunk hole in a flat piece of bar and weld it over whats left of the thread.
Allow to cool and the heat from the weld will loosen it. A little twist left and right and out she comes.


Paul G

 

[Gravity Aided]

I'd take it to a bike shop, and see how they do it. You don't know, the next time that bolt snaps, it could be inside the fork.

 

[keithmac]

Welding is and idea but if it doesn't work out you end up with hard metal to drill out.

Some new sharp decent quality drill bits and flat it off/ centrepunch before you start..