[bobdod04]

So, I'll start this out by stating that I am a complete idiot. I thought I wasn't, but now I know the truth. That being out of the way, I'll explain my situation.

My plan today was to do a brake job on my 2005 4Runner. I planned on replacing the front pads and rotors. I took off the driver's side wheel and went to work breaking loose the two bolts that hold the caliper in place. The top one came off just fine (surprisingly), but the second one was not moving at all. I PB Blasted it and got a cheater bar for my breaker bar. I cranked on the thing as hard as I could, but nothing. Eventually I started to get some movement. Finally it really moved, as in broke off. In the midst of cursing and freaking out I realized that I was actually tightening it instead of loosening it. Somehow I managed to torque the thing to failure. Well, now i have half of the bolt stuck there and I can't get the caliper off to try to grip it and screw it out. I put the first bolt back in and put everything back together. The caliper is on there, and between the first bolt and the remains of the second, its on there good enough for around town driving (I am in Philadelphia) at 20mph. I drove to the only shop that was still open, a few blocks away, and the guy told me he would have time to look at till Monday. He also said it might not be possible to get the bolt out and I'd be in for some major replacement work ($$$). Anyone know of a way to get that damn thing out with something I could buy at pepboys, autozone, etc.? I know Pepboys is open on Sundays, but I dread the thought of them messing with my car (yes, I know they can't possibly be any less competent that I am based on this screw up). Any advice would be really appreciated. I really need to get this figured out before Monday when I'll have to drive 30 miles to work.

[SMEE]

I had a similar thing happen to me while replacing my sway bar mounts, but part of the bolt was showing so I just used some vice grips and got it out. Unfortunately, your situation is worse than mine ever was.
I googled your problem for some ideas and this page will give you some suggestions: Getting Broken Bolts Out
Hope this helps. Keep us posted.

[bobdod04]

Well, I did a bunch of research on this and after spending about $40 on quality drill bits and a #4 extractor, I wound up getting the sucker out. Took about an hour to drill and about 5 seconds to get it out with the extractor. I was holding my breath as I applied torque to it after reading many stories about people having them break off in the bolt. All I can say is, the satisfaction level was through the roof when it came loose.

[KB084RUNNER]

Originally Posted by bobdod04

Well, I did a bunch of research on this and after spending about $40 on quality drill bits and a #4 extractor, I wound up getting the sucker out. Took about an hour to drill and about 5 seconds to get it out with the extractor. I was holding my breath as I applied torque to it after reading many stories about people having them break off in the bolt. All I can say is, the satisfaction level was through the roof when it came loose.

Cool...I love a shade tree mechanic success story....since I have so many fubared parts on my wall of shame....