How bad is this?

[contradan]

After swapping out my passenger side CV axel, while putting the hub back together, I accidentally overtightened and broke off the Hub center bolt that threads into the end of the axel. It appears that the bolt and washer combo function to keep the axel from moving medially. I weighed my options, and thought best to press on without a bold head and washer, as the rest of the bolt was broken off inside the axel end threads. The only other way to fix this was to A) try to drill out the amputated bolt, or B) buy another new axel. So I have an axel without a center bolt, how bad is that? Will something pop out of place now?

 

[K_Labs]

Ha it's called a torque wrench He-man.... Now when you say the center bolt u mean that Gigantic one that uses a SST socket? AGAIN it's called a TORQUE wrench.

 

[MT4runner]

well to get the broken bolt out you can drill a hole in it and use an easy out. its like a reverse threaded tap cutter.
that would be the best way. replacing you whole axle would be costly.

 

[contradan]

might try the easy out thing if i get a chance. My main query was how bad is it to keep on driving without that center bolt/washer? It doesnt seem to have direct function, more like a backup.

 

[4R_in_Uzb]

You probably want to get that part of the bolt out. I wouldn't drive it without the bolt, although nothing may happen, but you never know, it's there for a reason.
I just replaced driver's side CV and I was womdering about it myself, not that broke it, just thought about it.
Good luck, bro!

 

[ovrrdrive]

There's a pretty big thread on Yotatech about this bolt and the consensus over there is that you don't need it...

Make your own decision though. Apparently the bolt doesn't do anything.

thread

 

[04 sc V8]

Center punch it and use a good cobalt left hand drill bit. 9 out of 10 times it will spin right out of there if you do it right. Oh yeah, I personally dont think the bolt does much of anything except giving something to pull on to get the snap ring back in the axle groove, but I've never run without it.

 

[contradan]

thanks for the help. I was hoping for a positive response like that. what exactly does a center punch look like? What tool would I use with it?

 

[MT4runner]

a center punch is just a metal rod tapered down on one end that makes an indent so your drill bit doesnt want to wander as much.