Tricks for getting stripped bolts out of CV shaft?

[Zoro]

Replacing my CV shafts and got the PS done but I've only been able to get 2 bolts out of the DS, the other 4 are stripped out way too much to release. I've tried welded a nut on top and I've tried welding a stud in the welds aren't holding to those bolts. Tried clamping on with a vise-grip and I tried notching one of the heads with a grinder but no luck.

What's the secret?

[IowaEagle]

I know the heads are bad, but did you heat them up before trying to take them out?  They used lock-tite at the factory.   I do have some new ones remaining from the store if you need to buy some replacements.  $2.00 each, plus shipping. 

[Billman]

That sounds like a real pain, I'd try drilling them as deep as possible and heating them up red hot before using an ez-out. Not a lot of room to get a drill in there though.

[Zoro]

Heated them up pretty good but the heads are just too far gone from the start.

Went out and bought some regular hex bolts with the M10x1.5 thread. There ain't much room in there but can I run 'em?

If not I'll take you up on that IAE.

[Zoro]

What about those hammer-on bolt extractors from Sears?

That sounds like a real pain, I'd try drilling them as deep as possible and heating them up red hot before using an ez-out. Not a lot of room to get a drill in there though.

Only reason I haven't drilled them is because I can't get the drill in there in a straight line.

[IowaEagle]

I have used those but not on bolts as hard as the half shaft bolts.

[captspillane]

That is one of those things I cringe at about working on a new Eagle. What should take seconds can take hours.

I have had success with my bolt extractors like the one you've pictured. The good thing about those is that if they break free, they shave the head down to the next smaller size in the process. Often times the first attempt doesn't work but it prepares the head of the bolt for the next smaller size to be hammered on. That usually works perfectly, since hammering an extractor that barely fit on to the head really cuts in deep and strong.

[Zoro]

Got 'em!

Cut the heads off with the grinder and cut into the base of the old CV shaft enough to to ensure the heads were fully lopped off. Whacked on the base of the shaft with a hammer fully expecting the need to use a chisel but it fell right off, probably could have removed it by hand with little to no force. I then locked on to what was left of the bolts with a vise grip only to realize they were all loose...LOL!

So the old bolts are out and I don't need to drill and tap anything. Got new bolts with regular HEX heads I can use a wrench on. So stoked right now.

[IowaEagle]

What grade are the new bolts rated at?   The ones I have are Grade 10.

[carnuck]

I use a chisel at the side of the head to s t r e t c h the bolt enough to get it started

[Zoro]

Unsure of the grade, but I'm thinking 5 maybe. Next time I head out I'll see for sure.

On a side note the 2 axles that came off this car were marked "assembled in france" are those OEM or a certain brand?

[IowaEagle]

OEM