[Vwdiesel] Broken Power Steering Bolts

[H.Hagar]

Can't add much to what has been said so far  ----- maybe I can say that
I sympathize.  I still have broken bolts and studs nightmares.

Use sharp high quality drills and extractors. Snap-On  or better.

One of our senior members mentioned that Torx or Bristol bits make excellent
screw extractors.    He is right .   Use a GOOD bit like snap-on or better.

Hammer the bit in and it will cut its own grooves.  Grind end of bit so it cuts the steel
rather than spread the metal so the bolt sticks more.

There is a very important maximum size to use and I do not know what it is. But
James Hansen ,Val Christian,Loren or one of the seniors may know.

A really skillful operator can drill the bolts out using drills only.

I would not be surprised to find that the bolts are grade 8 or so.  That means they
may go very hard if heated and cooled down fast.

In critical cases I use a welder and a carbon rod.  NO  not arcing but resistance heating
the bolt. The rod will go very hot and it will transfer heat to bolt ---it takes a few minutes.

IMHO  extractors and bits made in USA or UK or Germany are the best. I had my fill
of Chinese pig-iron tools.

Again use only the best available.----you won't regret.

Hagar.

PS:  do not forget to pray ---on your knees ----I do it often and have a lot of luck.
with machinery. (medical is something else yikes)