broken bolt while installing subframe spacers - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

NecroS14 · 01-20-2008, 03:34 PM

The front sub frame bolts came off smooth, the rears we had a problem, it was too tight! We followed all the instructions, because we literally did the sub frame spacers on a friends car the day before. We lubed it up with pb blast let it sit still nothing, so we used power tools, and the bolt complete broke off, I was wondering how would I replace this bolt. Your advice is appreciated

orion::S14 · 01-20-2008, 07:26 PM

The subframe stud?

Ouch.

It's pressed into the unibody BEFORE the floor pan and such are welded on...so you have to locate the area where the top of the stud should be...and cut a hole in the floor...through 2 layers of metal, IIRC.

Then you can access the top...it's like a wheel stud.

Replace it with a large bolt and washer (up top)...or maybe get lucky and get one off a parts car...???

Sorry dude, that's a bitch. No exaggeration.

- Brian

Gumballf355 · 01-20-2008, 07:28 PM

The biggest pain in the ass ever. So much so I've actually seen someone weld his subframe to the chassis... hahaha good luck, don't weld it.

projectRDM · 01-20-2008, 08:23 PM

Last guy I knew who did that scrapped the chassis.

You can buy the rear box that goes between the frame rails with the studs, cut/weld it in, but you're looking at several hundred dollars in labor.

NecroS14 · 01-20-2008, 09:05 PM

damn, i knew it wasn't gonna be an easy fix. so i'm guessing my car is out of comission for a long-ass time. since its a bitch to fix, anyone know about how long this might take?

NecroS14 · 01-20-2008, 10:54 PM

here's a picture of the problem

i thought maybe i could weld a nut to whats left of the bolt, any ideas?

codyace · 01-20-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orion::S14

It's pressed into the unibody BEFORE the floor pan and such are welded on...so you have to locate the area where the top of the stud should be...and cut a hole in the floor...through 2 layers of metal, IIRC.

Not on my car, but been there, done that. I've done 6 or 7 of those up to that point, and had always 'worried' about that happening. Low and behold it did. Realizing that the only option was to cut, we went to town. Ended up grinding the top of the stud off, and just punching it out. Got some new hardware at Fastenal the next day, and the car has been operational ever since.

vinhnumber · 01-21-2008, 05:28 AM

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=518333

write up on rx7club on this, Pretty much almost the same case.

babowc · 01-21-2008, 05:53 PM

mine did the same.
i just left it.
i got tired of messing with it and there was no definite answer.

the car is just sitting in the yard now.
i got sick of messnig with it.

LongGrain · 01-21-2008, 06:00 PM

i shoulda never read this thread, now i'm afraid to attempt to install my collars....

*njd07* · 01-21-2008, 06:03 PM

hmmm im gonna heat mine up first...lol. Dont want this happening either.

NecroS14 · 01-21-2008, 06:05 PM

hahaha, yeah kinda regret doing it. oh well, now its time to fix it. Probably gonna have a few friends come over and attempt to fix it this weekend. I'll be sure to take some pictures for future reference.

Chrischeezer · 01-21-2008, 06:23 PM

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh thats nuttin.. i have seen alot worse..very fixable

A Spec Products · 01-21-2008, 06:30 PM

Yeah just get it fixed

Can be frustrating but as long as you have friends to help you there's much worse

Better that you replace stuff like that, rather than leave old stuff

hellaflush · 01-21-2008, 08:26 PM

unsure how you snapped it... dropping cradles aint hard

IGSDann · 01-21-2008, 08:33 PM

I work at a Nissan dealership and do a lot of 02-05 Altima subframe recalls. The one thing we have to be sure about is to not over tighten the subframe nuts because if the stud snaps then it's going straight to a body shop for a very expensive fix... If you can drop your subframe and get access to a cut off wheel and welder and fix it.... Good luck man

NecroS14 · 01-22-2008, 12:50 AM

yeah, it was over-tightened and just snapped. a buddie of mine has the tools needed and we'll see how it goes

MrChow · 01-22-2008, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongGrain

i shoulda never read this thread, now i'm afraid to attempt to install my collars....

Don't use power tools to toque or to start taking off a bolt. Get a breaker bar and get a some on it to make it longer and there you go.
Power tools make stuff go faster that's about it. I rarely use them.

NecroS14 · 01-22-2008, 01:11 AM

yeah, i used a breaker bar and thats how it snapped, too much powwwaaaa

zugoi · 01-22-2008, 01:55 AM

Damn what a hassle. Gotta make sure when ur breaking a bolt with a long ass breaker bar to keep the socket aligned with the bolt. Good luck man.

mikeroy420 · 01-22-2008, 02:16 AM

The same thing happened to my S13 when I was changing the subframe. My uncle (who is a machinst)and I took a rough estimate underneath the car where we thought the bolt would be, 3-5" away from your wheel well cutout and about 5-7" from the back seat (in the trunk). We then took a hole saw about 2" in diameter and cut into the trunk. Just be careful not to cut the crossmember. Loosen the rest of the studs and drop the subframe, then jack the car up a bit higher. Take a very heavy ball peen hammer and pound upward on the stud, it should pop out of the crossmember (you may have to saturate with fluid film). I tried to order one of these from Nissan but they told me I had to order the whole crossmember from Japan which would take a couple of months. So my uncle just cut the busted stud and a bolt that was the same diameter and welded the two together. Then machined them down to size in the lathe. Insert the stud back into the crossmember and take a long piece of metal or something heavy and pound it in place. It will draw tight once you tighten your subframe back into place, torque it at 225 ft/lbs. Hope this helps.

IGSDann · 01-28-2008, 06:47 PM

Referring to not using air tools, I'd probably have to disagree, I use them all day at work and I think they can actually save you from breaking a bolt, say if you put a breaker bar on a nut and load it up with torque I think under so much strain and time it would be more likely to break, but with an Impact gun, you can hit it lots of times with high torque, but it doesn't load up and strain so much.

01-20-2008, 03:34 PM	#1
NecroS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 339 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	broken bolt while installing subframe spacers The front sub frame bolts came off smooth, the rears we had a problem, it was too tight! We followed all the instructions, because we literally did the sub frame spacers on a friends car the day before. We lubed it up with pb blast let it sit still nothing, so we used power tools, and the bolt complete broke off, I was wondering how would I replace this bolt. Your advice is appreciated

01-20-2008, 07:26 PM	#2
orion::S14 Nissanaholic! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Orange Park, FL Posts: 1,665 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The subframe stud? Ouch. It's pressed into the unibody BEFORE the floor pan and such are welded on...so you have to locate the area where the top of the stud should be...and cut a hole in the floor...through 2 layers of metal, IIRC. Then you can access the top...it's like a wheel stud. Replace it with a large bolt and washer (up top)...or maybe get lucky and get one off a parts car...??? Sorry dude, that's a bitch. No exaggeration. - Brian __________________ www.KA24DEvelopment.com

01-20-2008, 08:23 PM	#4
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 47 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Last guy I knew who did that scrapped the chassis. You can buy the rear box that goes between the frame rails with the studs, cut/weld it in, but you're looking at several hundred dollars in labor. __________________ FORMERLY R240NA Learn what's really going on and protect your assets now before they're gone forever: www.paypalsucks.com

01-21-2008, 05:28 AM	#8
vinhnumber Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 909/626/562/949/714/951 Posts: 528 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=518333 write up on rx7club on this, Pretty much almost the same case. __________________ Oh you be mad cuz I'm stylin' on ya!

01-21-2008, 05:53 PM	#9
babowc Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: G.NET Posts: 2,659 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	mine did the same. i just left it. i got tired of messing with it and there was no definite answer. the car is just sitting in the yard now. i got sick of messnig with it. __________________ My iTrader rating!

01-20-2008, 07:28 PM	#3
Gumballf355 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 41 Posts: 605 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	The biggest pain in the ass ever. So much so I've actually seen someone weld his subframe to the chassis... hahaha good luck, don't weld it.

01-20-2008, 09:05 PM	#5
NecroS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 339 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	damn, i knew it wasn't gonna be an easy fix. so i'm guessing my car is out of comission for a long-ass time. since its a bitch to fix, anyone know about how long this might take?

01-20-2008, 10:54 PM	#6
NecroS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 339 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	here's a picture of the problem i thought maybe i could weld a nut to whats left of the bolt, any ideas?

01-21-2008, 06:00 PM	#10
LongGrain Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,741 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	i shoulda never read this thread, now i'm afraid to attempt to install my collars....

01-21-2008, 06:03 PM	#11
njd07 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: canada Age: 35 Posts: 644 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	hmmm im gonna heat mine up first...lol. Dont want this happening either. __________________ s13 parts fs:http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=193416 sr parts fs: http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=193399 s14 parts fs:http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=193420 180sx part out http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=203711

01-21-2008, 06:05 PM	#12
NecroS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 339 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	hahaha, yeah kinda regret doing it. oh well, now its time to fix it. Probably gonna have a few friends come over and attempt to fix it this weekend. I'll be sure to take some pictures for future reference.

01-21-2008, 06:23 PM	#13
Chrischeezer Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: earth Age: 37 Posts: 1,406 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh thats nuttin.. i have seen alot worse..very fixable __________________

01-21-2008, 06:30 PM	#14
A Spec Products Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Socal! Off 60/605 Posts: 7,256 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	Yeah just get it fixed Can be frustrating but as long as you have friends to help you there's much worse Better that you replace stuff like that, rather than leave old stuff __________________ A SPEC PRODUCTS CORP AME Wheels, Advan, ARC, Gram Lights, Nardi, Personal, Recaro, Works Bell, Work Wheels, Volk Racing, 5Zigen, & more! 626.618.1100 x 103 / aim: aspectuan Advertiser's Specials! Read / Give Feedback! Please Rate Us!

01-21-2008, 08:26 PM	#15
hellaflush Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: australia Age: 34 Posts: 281 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	unsure how you snapped it... dropping cradles aint hard

01-21-2008, 08:33 PM	#16
IGSDann Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fitchburg, MA Age: 34 Posts: 427 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I work at a Nissan dealership and do a lot of 02-05 Altima subframe recalls. The one thing we have to be sure about is to not over tighten the subframe nuts because if the stud snaps then it's going straight to a body shop for a very expensive fix... If you can drop your subframe and get access to a cut off wheel and welder and fix it.... Good luck man __________________ Pushing 14.7 PSI of all natural boost!!!

01-22-2008, 12:50 AM	#17
NecroS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 339 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	yeah, it was over-tightened and just snapped. a buddie of mine has the tools needed and we'll see how it goes

01-22-2008, 01:11 AM	#19
NecroS14 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 339 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	yeah, i used a breaker bar and thats how it snapped, too much powwwaaaa

01-22-2008, 01:55 AM	#20
zugoi Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bay area Posts: 560 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Damn what a hassle. Gotta make sure when ur breaking a bolt with a long ass breaker bar to keep the socket aligned with the bolt. Good luck man. __________________ Drunk posting FTW!

01-22-2008, 02:16 AM	#21
mikeroy420 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Age: 41 Posts: 479 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	The same thing happened to my S13 when I was changing the subframe. My uncle (who is a machinst)and I took a rough estimate underneath the car where we thought the bolt would be, 3-5" away from your wheel well cutout and about 5-7" from the back seat (in the trunk). We then took a hole saw about 2" in diameter and cut into the trunk. Just be careful not to cut the crossmember. Loosen the rest of the studs and drop the subframe, then jack the car up a bit higher. Take a very heavy ball peen hammer and pound upward on the stud, it should pop out of the crossmember (you may have to saturate with fluid film). I tried to order one of these from Nissan but they told me I had to order the whole crossmember from Japan which would take a couple of months. So my uncle just cut the busted stud and a bolt that was the same diameter and welded the two together. Then machined them down to size in the lathe. Insert the stud back into the crossmember and take a long piece of metal or something heavy and pound it in place. It will draw tight once you tighten your subframe back into place, torque it at 225 ft/lbs. Hope this helps.

01-28-2008, 06:47 PM	#22
IGSDann Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fitchburg, MA Age: 34 Posts: 427 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Referring to not using air tools, I'd probably have to disagree, I use them all day at work and I think they can actually save you from breaking a bolt, say if you put a breaker bar on a nut and load it up with torque I think under so much strain and time it would be more likely to break, but with an Impact gun, you can hit it lots of times with high torque, but it doesn't load up and strain so much. __________________ Pushing 14.7 PSI of all natural boost!!!

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