HELP!! I broke a bolt and now big problem!!

[DebinNY]

I replaced the thermostat and the *dang* plastic coolant elbows on my 02 bonne (long story but I did it!) and as I was putting the heater hose back on I broke the bolt that holds it's fastener into the thingamajig the alternator is bolted on to. I mickey mouse rigged it with bunjee cords and got to the auto store but now I cant get the broken bolt out...what can be done? Other than tow it and have the pros fix it? I have pic but dont know how to post here..

Thanks, Deb

[nubuilder]

How to post pics - step by step

[crash93ssei]

Try a bolt extractor or might have to get a new alternator bracket.

[DebinNY]

cant get photo to upload....got bolt extractor...plugged in cordless drill to charge it and the outlet blew and fried the drill charger....why did I even get out of bed today.....going to search for 100ft of electrical cords now..... did I mention it is like 110 outside with 99% humidity?????

[DebinNY]

Well I had to mickey mouse it up again with bungee cords as bf had to drive it to work...he stood outside holding an umbrella over me so I wouldnt burn to a crisp while I did this....he has nearly no car knowledge but tries to help...also found out that the drill wont fit in the available working space so I'm going to have to take the alternator off and whatever else to get the bolt out....then put it all back together again....at least this time I wont be spending 2 hours digging pieces of plastic elbows out of holes.......these things should be made out of metal not plastic, this is the 2nd time they have failed on my car.

[harofreak00]

They do have metal ones now! Dorman 47065HP



Deb, I have another alternator bracket for CHEAP if you need one, I believe I still owe you

[DebinNY]

how much with shipping Andrew? I really got to get this fixed and if the bolt extractor doesn't work, I am going to need a new bracket thingy......

[DebinNY]

my next car will get metal ones!!! this car has 140k so plastic should outlast my baby....I hope...

[crash93ssei]

You will be lucky if the plastic holds for a year.

[DebinNY]

I decided that if the bolt extractor idea doesn't work and I have to tear it all apart I am going to put in the metal brackets.....I'm just waiting for the weather to cool down a bit...I'm still recovering from the "sun sickness" I got the other day.....