drivers side axle bracket

[mndsm1]

Been getting some kind of weird noise underneath the car when im driving which I thought was due to either the transfer case or the driveshaft. Got the car up again today because I heard somethin else that came back which was an easy fix which turned out to be something completely different. I noticed that the bracket that holds the drivers side axle to the block wasnt bolted up anymore. I proceeded to take off the downpipe to get a better look, when all was finished I found out that the bolts had broke off into the block causing the bracked to just lay their. Not sure exactly what to do now...I know that under normal circumstances I should drill and tap but unfortunately it looks like theres not enough room to get anything in their. Even if I was able to get to the area..Im not sure if I would be able to drill straight into the bolt. My neighbor told me that he had heard of someone being able to get something like that out by crazy glueing an eraser to the bolt and then trying to twist it, hopefully it wont take a lot of torque to get the bolts out. But if that does not work, does anybody have any other ideas?

 

[mndsm1]

nobody?

 

[RoasT BeeF]

Are they both broke? I have had mine break twice. Each time I was able to drill and remove using a right angle drill rented from Sears. I believe it was a red Milwauke drill. I used a small drill bit and screw extractor. I removed the intake manifold and went in from the top. It is a bi*** getting it drilled straight but it is do-able. The first 2 times they broke I replaced them with some no name grade 8 bolts from NAPA. After the 2nd time I decided to go to the dealer and get a set of new OEM bolts. I did notice that the OEM bolts have a special "nosing" on the end of them to prevent the bolts from being threaded in to far. Havent had a problem since.

 

[mndsm1]

I read that this is caused by not having the ac bracket in between the block and the bracket? Is this true? If so im pretty sure that you could also use washers also correct? Not sure exactly which hole I should put them on though.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

If you dont have the A/C bracket in there and do not have it spaced the bolts will break. The one that needs spaced is closest to the timing belt.

 

[mndsm1]

How much of a space does their need to be? Or should I just go ahead and get a AC bracket?

 

[RoasT BeeF]

I am not sure of the exact space. I can measure later this afternoon. If you have an A/C bracket and angle grinder available you can just cut the part off the bracket that you need. Thats what I did.

 

[BUCK]

Center Bearing Had A Bolt Wrung Off

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I had this single "click" when changing from Forward to Reverse - Not a buncha clicks like a CV Joint... & not the low "clunk" you get on an AWD when you load the rear end - It was The MOTHER of ALL PITA's! - I'd rather spend a whole day at a Dentist - $160 Milwaukee Close Quarters drill became my first Christmas present to myself - it's TOTAL HELL to get to... that Titanium Drill bit worked great - started off with a brand new spiral EZ-Out like a dumbass, IMMEDIATELY snapped that - for God's sake throw every spiral EZ Out you own away this morning, or give them to your worst enemy - My trusty 10 year old little "square" EZ Out saved the day - Damn nub threaded right out easily of course - Be ready to change out Bearing Seals & DEFINITELY Shim it correctly as Roast Beef said.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

Uncle BUCK!!!! Where you been!? I remember reading that thread a couple years ago.

 

[architechnik]

I had one of those bolts break at the half-way point. I was able to extract the tip, but that's because I had the engine out.

If you do not use the A/C bracket there is a Mitsubishi Spacer that is supposed to replace it.

Here are the part numbers and descriptions if you want them:
Spacer, FR MB297732
Washer, P/S MF450406
Bolt, FR AX MB297860

 

[92awddsm]

Spacer thickness is .330" or really close(+/- .005") to that. After I had it bolted up, I tack welded the spacer to the bracket so I wouldnt loose it if the bolts were to break. But I also measured the spacer before installing it so I would know for future reference.