Broken bolt in engine - help!

[outomyelement]

I turned on the car this morning and heard a funny noise... found out it was a bolt that broke off on in the engine! It's right near the AC compressor. See attached photos.

2 questions:

1) would Autozone or Napa have a replacement and
2) would I be safe temporarily driving this if the other bolts are tight? I'm concerned it might vibrate the other bolts and break them as well? I know its part of the mount for the pulley system on the engine...

Thank you!

 

[Ranger44]

I'm concerned that it even broke off in the first place. Unless you were trying to get it out.

I'd just go to the hardware store and snag a replacement bolt.

But it looks like you may have to remove the accessory bracket to get to the broken bolt. Maybe drill and tap it, unless you can actualy get ahold of it with a pair of vice grips.

 

[outomyelement]

Yeah, The bolt otherwise looks like it's in good condition. I'm not sure why it would have done that... ? I think i'm going to have to remove the bracket to get to it...

 

[BlackBII]

Yeah, it would be easiest to remove the bracket, and pull the remainder of the bolt out, with an easy out/bolt extractor, or vice grips if your lucky.

Then, take your bolt to Lowes and match up a replacement. Grade 5 should be plenty.

 

[outomyelement]

Do you think i'd be ok temporarily driving it? I have to change the plugs and washer motor, so I was going to drive it about an hour away to a family members garage.... ?

 

[BlackBII]

I sure it will be just fine.

Just make sure the other bolts holding that bracket to the motor are tight.

The bracket shouldn't move with just one broken bolt, but if it does, that may cause an issue.

 

[outomyelement]

that's what i figured... cool... thank you!

 

[outomyelement]

Went to 3 Home Depots, Autozone, and NAPA -- I finally found a replacement at Ace Hardware...!

It was 10x1.5, 90mm. By the time I got to fixing it, the piece vibrated out! AWESOME! Didn't have to take the brackets or anything off, just put in the new bolt!

 

[fastbluetruck]

damn wish i could be so lucky bolt breaks on me i get to drill tap or rethread, you must be in favor with the tool gods lol

 

[outomyelement]

ha, no kidding!