Gang, I was looking to remove the axle shafts from a 12 bolt diff, so after popping off the back cover and draining the oil, I removed the bolt that holds the pinion shaft in place. The bolt came out, but the pin part of it stayed in the carrier, so the pinion shaft won't come out. I remember seeing a post where this happened to someone else a couple years ago, but I can't find that post. I see someone makes a kit with drill bits an easy outs to remove the screw, but I'd like to find the post to see what that member did. Any help is appreciated.
some/most of them, i've been able to wind them out with a sharp point awl, or if it's broke right at the thread, a small tip magnet might fish it out. brake clean the oil from the hole.
Got it out. I wanted to try the magnet idea, but couldn't find the skinny magnet I used to have. I'm not sure it would have worked, as I figured there was still some thread left on the broken portion. My buddy drilled out a 5/16" bolt with a 1/8" diameter hole through it and we put in in the housing (I'll call that the guide bolt, not shown). I then sent a 7/32" bit through the guide bolt, into the broken portion of the screw. I pulled out the guide bolt, washed out the debris with brake-clean, and pounded in a spiral easy-out. It didn't work, as I figured I hadn't drilled deep enough. Since there was now a hole in the broken portion, I didn't need the guide bolt again, and I just drilled deeper. I figured the hole in the broken portion was now about 1/4" deep, and pounded in the spiral easy out again. Turned it real slow and steady, and eventually the broken portion was out. It had about 1 thread left on it, so a magnet would have never pulled it out.
I know it's too late to help since the job is done, but for future a reverse drill bit can work too. As you drill, it spins the broken bolt out (usually only one thread left on the bolt). Just thought I'd add. And by the way good job removing it your way.
-- Edited by JC2+2 on Sunday 11th of May 2014 07:53:08 PM
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'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).
I bought a new bolt today, p/n 25872305 (superceded 14056196) as original p/n 472546 is discontinued (still available on ebay though). The new bolt has a smaller head which isn't a concern, but it's 1/4" shorter than the original. Original was 2" long (not counting the head). Any comments?
The new bolt will just go through the shaft, not through it with 1/4" extending into the other side of the carrier. There was a guy on ebay selling a set of multiple 472546's so I got a little silly and bought them (keep in mind I have 4 cars that use them).
I know it'll take a little time for them to get to me, but I've got other work to do on the differential including blasting and painting the brake backing plates, etc. If I get real anxious, I'll install the 25872305 screw, otherwise I can return it and get my $10 back.
