Front sub frame bolts

[The Hoax]

Anyone had this problem? My car 1990 16v failed its MOT on a number of things, all now fixed except front anti roll bar bushes. The failure sheet did not specify outer or inner, so I replaced the outer drop links and bought the inners but my tools werent up to the job of removing the bolts so I got in our local mobile mechanic. He managed to remove the rear subframe bolts but reckoned he would have to loosen the front bolts to get enough clearance to replace the inner anti roll bar bushes.

Joy of joys, one of the front bolts sheared and he reckons that he will have to do a ful lstrip down including raising the engine and dropping the whole sub frame to get at the sheared stud.To make matters worse, I then checked with the MOT station and they tell me that they only meant the drop links to be replaced -Doh!

I can now feel pulling and vibration through the steering so the job will have to be done.

Anyone any idea for a quick fix?

[...joe]

can you get a reverse thread thingy in there to get the remainder of the bolt out? i think you can screw in an opposite thread which in turn pulls out the old bolt. get some heat on it before to free up the bolt a bit too. guy sounds like a muppet to be honest. i know things like this can happen but i'd be proper pissed off!

[wellfan]

I think your 'local mobile mechanic' has to accept his liability in this situation. He should not have proceeded to remove the bolt unless he was able to deal with such a situation. I myself did the same many years ago and sheared one of the bolts. I have ignorance on my side as I am a nurse and not a mechanic, however, I was working on my own car, not yours or anyone elses. Your mechanic was employed as a mechanic and has a care of duty to you as his customer.

[The Hoax]

Thanks for your replies guys. Joe I wiould try the idea with a stud exractor but its not a very large section stud and its in a difficult position to drill up from. Also there is about 2 inches of the stud  that will be left exposed when the sub frame is dropped so it can be heated and moved with mole grips or stilsons.

Wellfan - How did you recover the situation?

[Judderi]

I did mine a few weeks ago and came acros a similar problem. One side came off fine but the other had already been sheared before i got to it and welded back together! I managed to lever enough clearance to change the bushes and just left it welded. I know its not ideal but its secure and will hold securely with the weld. If its too much work to remove the sheared both then welding it solid is an idea.