Track Bar Nut Tab Broke

[Eagle]

I've lost count of how many track bars I've replaced since I bought my first Cherokee new in 1988, but I finally encountered the problem I always expected but never ran into -- trying to remove the axle end bolt to install a new track bar, the tab stabilizing the weld nut inside the axle bracket was so rusty it snapped off. And the but itself is so rusted that it's almost round -- there's not chance of getting a wrench on it.

 

Who has encountered this, and what did you do? Looks to me like a choice between a sawzall and a die grinder with a cutoff wheel, and I'm thinking I'd probably do less damage to the axle and bracket with the sawzall. But I don't know if I can get the blade in there to make the cut.

 

Any suggestions?

[dakal]

i would use a cutoff wheel to cut enough metal out of the way to get at the bolt. then remove the bolt , new bolt and weld a new piece in. sometimes its the long way. dave

[Eagle]

You mean cut out part of the axle bracket?

 

That's not a consideration.

[yellaheep]

_{Use a large prybar to bend the outer (front) side of the trackbar bracket away from the track bar.  I assume the bolt broke so the bolt will allow the bracket to bend open.  This will give you the gap you need to get a sawzall or cutoff wheel up in between the bracket and the bolt.  Once you have the bolt cut and track bar out, you can use a hammer to put the bracket back in position.}

 

_{I've done this so many times........ and it's never any less frustrating.} 

[Eagle]

No, the bolt didn't break. The tab on the nut broke.

 

I think Dr. Sawzall is the solution, but without any mangling of the brackets.

[HOrnbrod]

New bolt and tabnut from the dealer when ready:

 

34202463, Nut, Retainer, $2.80
34202640, Bolt, $7.14

[Akula69]

 What about this? Should be enough space I would think...

 

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-damaged-bolt-nut-remover-set-low/p-00952166000P

[ParadiseMJ]

 What about this? Should be enough space I would think...

 

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-damaged-bolt-nut-remover-set-low/p-00952166000P

 

 If his is anything like mine there's not enough room for even a box end...let alone enough metal to grab on to.  I agree with cut and replace.

[Eagle]

New bolt and tabnut from the dealer when ready:

 

34202463, Nut, Retainer, $2.80

34202640, Bolt, $7.14

 

Already have them, but thanks.

[Eagle]

 What about this? Should be enough space I would think...

 

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-pc-damaged-bolt-nut-remover-set-low/p-00952166000P

 

I have those, and there is not NEARLY enough space. Those of you who haven't actually looked at this joint don't realize that the tab to which the nut is welded has a significant offset. Therein lies much of the problem.

[HOrnbrod]

Image stolen from Jimoshel.  :yes: