2010 SHO Front Subframe Rear Bolt Broke Access From Above Possible?

[92GreenGT]

In an attempt to chase down a noise coming from the front of the car, while checking front subframe alignment(which was off btw) on the last bolt to tighten and snap! The passenger side bolt breaks and falls out, yay! Mainly I’m asking is it possible to get to from above maybe by cutting an access panel or maybe getting really lucky and there be a factory access point, lol. If not I’m going to put it on the lift and try to drill a pilot hole and then use an extractor. Already got replacement hardware, wish me the best. Thanks

 

[92GreenGT]

Got it out tonight, drilling was a waste of time. Ended up measuring, cutting an access hole, welded a nut to it and it came out easy, then welded panel back in and put a new piece of dynamat to match the rest. New bolt installed and all is well, hopefully this helps someone else in the future.

 

[kryptto]

thanks for sharing

 

[SHOrod]

I'm late to read this. I'm glad to hear you got it out. I had this happen several years ago on a Lincoln LS. What I did on that one was use a set of left-handed drill bits from Harbor Freight. To my surprise, they drilled into the bolt pretty easily and after a few minutes, spun the broken piece out. Considering how easily you were able to spin yours out with a welded on nut, maybe left-handed drill bits would have worked for you too. Or maybe the heat from welding broke it free. Something to keep in mind should there be a next time.

Were you able to get the subframe alignment taken care or, or was/is there something else causing that to be off?

-Rod

 

[92GreenGT]

Yeah it’s true now, hit a deer at like 70mph and that must of been enough of a jolt to move the subframe on the driver side back a little. Car is a tank though, it’s amazed me what little damage there was considering how hard of a hit it was.

I tried the left hand bits but I think the main issue was it wasn’t a clean flat break and even after center punching it a bunch of times and trying to start with an 1/8” bit I just wasn’t having good enough success and my extractors were just barely long enough to reach so I couldn’t get a decent bite like normal and time was wasting so I just got it out the way I knew would work 100%. I normally wouldn’t result to such lengths but my personal car so I was ready to get it done lol. Thanks yall

 

[SHOrod]

You clearly have more confidence in your welding abilities than I have in mine. I wish that weren't the case as I really want to be good at welding, but in my case practice doesn't seem to make perfect.

I'm glad to hear you got it all taken care of.

-Rod