Hello,

I have a 2001 R/T AWD Durango, and I replaced the shocks on it last january. Yesterday the driver side lower shock bolt sheared off right at the control arm, and it is threaded into the control arm. I did some searching on the forums and didn't find the information I am looking for, so I have a couple of questions.

1 - This is my first sheared bolt problem, any advice on how to remove it? My current course of action is that I sprayed some thread breaker on it last night, going to do it again today, and then try to drill it and easy-out it. There is a shoulder on the back side, but I can't get good access to it.

2 - Does anyone know the replacement bolt thread (for re-tapping) and a good place to get a new one? Does it have to be the same exact tpye of bolt, or will any bolt of right thread type, length and material of construction (Grade 8?) work?

3 - I installed the Edelbrock Performance IAS Shock, and the rubber bumper and washer from both sides are missing. Edelbrock is shipping out replacements through the mail, but was hoping for a faster solution. Don't want to be down for a week waiting on the parts to arrive. What kind of options are available for replacement rummber and washer? My autoparts store didn't have anything, or that is what they told me at least.

4 - More of a general question, is it a big problem to put some sort of anti sieze on the bolts. As I pull bolts off, I feel like I should put some on because of how hard they are to get off. Though I am reluctant to because of the fear of them vibrating loose easier. I found one of the skid plate on the bottom had broke as well and ruined a couple of the bolts when I took them out.

Thanks in advance for any help or guidance that can be provided.

 

I guess this is why you shouldn't reuse bolts. I just had my shocks replaced and used the same bolts, hope this doesn't happen to me.

 

Yeah, definate lesson learned there.

 

Hmmm.... first, that's the right way to go with removing the bolt (drill and easy-out) but if it really is a grade 8 bolt it's gonna be tough to drill. Get a cobalt bit instead of a high speed stainless one, you'll have more luck. Applying heat to the bolt will also help, but make sure you've got everything flameable out of the way. If you do it right you shouldn't have to retap anything, as you should never be hitting the threads.

As far as shearing the bolt to start with, is it possible it was loose & the shock was sliding on it? Either that or it was one hell of a pothole!

Seriously, I've always reused the shock bolts on vehicles and have never had a problem. Maybe I'm just lucky? Exact bolt would be dealer item, but Fastenal would most likely have something pretty close. FWIW I've also always put anti-seize on the bolts as well.

Bob

 

Reused shock bolts here too, always have. Since they are not Torque to Yield or really load bearing, should be fine in a shock application to reuse.

That chuckhole may have sheered off any bolt, new or used.

With that said, given the time, labor, source and money, it is never a bad idea to replace anything used with new if you can. I guess these could be in that equation too.

IndyDurango

 

IF you do damage the threads, I recommend using helicoils to repair them. I have had great experiences with them. I actually used one to repair a motor mount thread on my wife's rice burner about 6 months ago and it is still holding its torque.

 

Will the helicoil hold in a shock location?

Maybe rethread with a larger bolt to make sure it holds or replace the arm.

IndyD

 

Good point Indy, I didn't even consider the application.

 

i had to helicoil my brakes... where the caliper bolts screw into the knuckle assembly someone had dicked up the threads and then forced an oversized bolt in... took a couple tries but finally got it to work... the real test will be if it goes back in easily the next time i replace the brakes...

 

Sounds like you have a underling issue to shear off a shock bolt?


Sounds to me it was over torqued to begin with.