I messed up bad: idler pulley bolt broke while i was torquing it down
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Joined: Mar 2023
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2001 E55 AMG
I messed up bad: idler pulley bolt broke while i was torquing it down
a few days ago my belt fell off my 2001 e55 amg while i was driving. the idler pulley came clean off and the only thing left was the bearing. i bought all the parts i need and the repair was going smooth until i was torquing down the bolt with the new pulley and it broke. it is so deep inside the hole is there any possible way i could fix this myself? do they make removal bits long enough? should i just take it to a shop? its my own fault this happened and i want to save money if i can but i also want to get it done right. any advice helps thanks.
Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 178
Likes: 45
2000 E320
I've done this before, but be warned. You may make more mess if not done right.
It's all depending on how the broken piece look like. If it's almost flat, and If you have a steady hand, I mean very steady, than you can try left-hand bit and extractor. Also, forget about the cordless drill. Yes, some will have enough torque, but that big and heavy battery makes it very hard to make them steady, specially in tight spot. You need to have small high-torque corded drill. Heating up the area also helps. But be very careful. You need to heat it up, not torch it.
If the broken bolt does not have flat surface, or if you're uncomfortable, just take it to reputable shop. Choose your shop wisely. Again, they may make a bigger mess than it already have.
It's all depending on how the broken piece look like. If it's almost flat, and If you have a steady hand, I mean very steady, than you can try left-hand bit and extractor. Also, forget about the cordless drill. Yes, some will have enough torque, but that big and heavy battery makes it very hard to make them steady, specially in tight spot. You need to have small high-torque corded drill. Heating up the area also helps. But be very careful. You need to heat it up, not torch it.
If the broken bolt does not have flat surface, or if you're uncomfortable, just take it to reputable shop. Choose your shop wisely. Again, they may make a bigger mess than it already have.
