C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Stripped Bolt

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Old Nov 4, 2022 | 03:41 PM
  #1  
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2001 C240
Stripped Bolt

This way bar bracket is blocking me from pulling a bolt out of the control arm. However someone has snapped one of the 10mm external torx bolts and half still threaded and the other is stripped and socket extractors are not working and it will be too difficult to saw the head off. What is your suggestion?

Thanx


Last edited by jblack215; Nov 4, 2022 at 03:47 PM.
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Old Nov 5, 2022 | 03:12 AM
  #2  
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Mine are stuck too.
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Old Nov 7, 2022 | 01:12 AM
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2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
That sucks. If I was in your situation and desperate I would do the following:

1) Cut the U-bracket in half by sawing upwards, using something like a disc grinder. Not sure if your sway bar has the bushing moulded directly into the bar, but if this is the case, be careful and try not to destroy the rubber. Be sure to use protection (face mask, goggles). Remove the good screw and the chunk you just sawed off.

2) Move the sway bar downwards and out of the way. You'll probably need to disconnect the U-bracket on the other side of the car before you can do this. To maximize the room down there, it may be best to simply remove the entire sway bar.

3) Unscrew the (half?) remains of the U-bracket out of the subframe. You may need to cut off more chunks of the bracket if there isn't enough room.

4) Unscrew the broken screw out of the subframe. This should come out nice and easy, as there is no longer any tension on the screw. I imagine a pair of vice grips will do the trick.

Last edited by slammer111; Nov 7, 2022 at 01:19 AM.
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Old Nov 7, 2022 | 08:06 PM
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I recall something similar when I did suspension work on mine also. But I sold the car so I can go out and see.

Check to see if that broke bolt goes thru into the engine compartment. If So, then drill it out, and replace it with a nut and bolt.

or, grind the head down to remove the bracket completely, remove other side if you need, so you can access the bare bolts and extract them..

You know the feeling, when you turn the ratchet and force the bolt..

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Old Jun 15, 2025 | 09:46 AM
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previous link has detailed rollbar replacement instructions. put screwdriver in cylinder assembly to allow vertical movement
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