Because removing the head releases the tension that is locking the bolt, that location is unlikely to have the bolt rusted in. So all you need to do is drill out the head, as hex head bolts have a free centering hole for the drill its easy.. then turn the bolt with a grippy type tool.
Tried that, didn’t work….. partly due to the fact that the head of the bolt hasn’t much depth for the Easyout.
Have done and lived to tell the tale…..probably because it was only “in” about half an inch…….well that’s what the wife said…..
Right, bolt drilled out to diameter of the bolt shaft …. Didn’t miraculously collapse, used a cheap Dremel copy to grind away the remaining head, tool gave up the ghost with the head gone for about 50% of the depth, just a shoulder left that I can hit with a cold chisel and mark, but that’s about it! Awaiting more grinding bits to use in a full size drill. Thanks to @77 Westy , new bolts have arrived from la belle France, but I’ve another hiccup….. the bolts look like they’ll take an 11mm 12 point Allen thingy …. of course my set has 10 and 12 , as do all the sets on Fleabay. Is it a special tool, or just an awkward size? Edit: found one on Amazon described completely differently… but looks like it will do the job.
@Betty the Bay Have you got the bolt out? If you’ve drilled it out to the diameter of the bolt but the head hasn’t dropped off you haven’t drilled deep enough.
I’ve just about ground out the whole head…..just a sliver holding on the shoulder….. nearly there….Christmas is getting in the way!
My mate is coming around tomorrow for another go at getting the flex plate off…… may be speaking to you about that flex plate after Christmas!
Drive plate off, bolt shaft out….. however, there’s always a however….. I now have massive end ( rear ) float that wasn’t there before…. obviously something has happened during the removal of bolt. Any suggestions before I strip everything down and split the case? Something to cheer me up for Christmas preferably.
The drive plate fitted against the shims/bearing sets the end float. Take off the plate (or flywheel) it will move a lot. This is normal. Merry Christmas.
I hope you’re right, the end float did appear before plate was off, but it might have been well on its way to being off and therefore not tight.
I’m wondering if the drive plate could be reused…….. If I clean up where the bolt hole has broken into the centre hole and use a suitable washer to level the ( badly) damaged step that the bolt head sits on ? The rear has no damage and retaining pin still locates.
