Stripped W124 Fan Clutch Bolt! Anyone know how to remove?

[BENZOMANIAC]

I need to change the belt tensioner on my 87 300E 103 motor, and the 8mm bolt that mounts the fan clutch to puylley is stripped!?

Anyone know how to get that bolt out without removing radiator and condensor?

Thanks

[up2nogood]

Isn't it an allen bolt?

[BENZOMANIAC]

I'm sorry. I wasn't very clear. I had a mechanic rebuild my head but he stripped the 8mm hex bolt so now I cannot remove my fan clutch the way I should be able to. I know the procedure well. I am just wondering if there is any type of extractor that I can use without having to remove radiator and condensor, to drill and use e-z out.

[AF300E]

I had this problem and found that the only way I could get the bolt out (drilling wouldn't work without removing the a/c condenser as well as the radiator) was to remove the fan bearing bracket, with fan attached (which was enormously difficult, I recall having to cut one or two of the bolts with a hacksaw blade because they were too long to remove with the fan still on) and then putting the fan bearing bracket in a vise (gently) and using a small cold chisel to loosen the bolt. NIGHTMARE!

Only done it once though, there may be an easier way. Oh, and I replaced the bolt with a high tensile one which makes it a lot more resiliant to stripping.

[up2nogood]

Man, that sucks.

Unfortunately (particularly since the bolt is recessed in the hub) you will need to clear stuff from the front of it.

You might get away with just the radiator, if you're lucky.

Then try to:
* weld something to it, if you have a MIG welder and can get access (not sure if this will work).
* Bash a hex plug into the bolt (what's left of it) with a lump hammer and then undo it.

Good luck!

[BENZOMANIAC]

Does anyone know if there any extractors that are specific to internal hex head?

[autozen]

Originally Posted by BENZOMANIAC

I need to change the belt tensioner on my 87 300E 103 motor, and the 8mm bolt that mounts the fan clutch to puylley is stripped!?

Anyone know how to get that bolt out without removing radiator and condensor?

Thanks

It is a simple procedure, but it requires shop air and a right angle air grinder. You will also need a drum shaped grinding bit that has a grinding surface on the end. it is hard to describe but the bit is steel, looks like the shape of a new pencil eraser, and needs to be about 10mm in diameter. Stick it in the end of the bolt and continue inward until the bolt head falls off. Then remove the bolt with your fingers. Hope this is clear.

[jbach36]

You can get JB Weld at Home Depot. Supposed to be kick-ass stuff. Just read the back of the bottle. Goes on as a liquid, dries rock hard.

[BENZOMANIAC]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm waiting for the parts to arrive and I will try a few things suggested before I take it to the shop. I know a good mechanic who has an air grinder and anything else he may need to remove it, so I might just pay him to take care of it for me.

The Mig welder idea is the Great! Now I just need to buy a welder

Happy 4th

[autozen]

MRCJAMES,
Jim, that is all good advice, and I pretty much agree with you. but you left out one crucial point. USE TOP QUALITY ALLEN WRENCHES. I've said it dozens of times on this site: " those cheap tools made in China or ROC are made out of hardened butter".