How to get broken seat bolts out?

stanger_missle · Jan 30, 2011

Awhile ago I found 3 out of the 4 bolts for the front seats were broken off. The previous owner of my car apparently tried to remove the seats and broke off all but one. These are the rear bolts for the front seats. The bolts on the passenger side had locknuts (???) on them. Now I have to figure out how to get these out. I bought 4 new bolts to replace them. They are broken off below the carpet. I soaked them in PB Blaster and cut a slot in the tip of the bolt the tried using a flathead screwdriver and a wrench but couldn't get them to budge. I also tried Vicegrips but I couldn't get a good bite because of the subframe connectors. Do you guys have any suggestions? As a last resort I guess I could drill them out but I really don't want to do that...

vermilion · Jan 30, 2011

are the subframe connectors have nuts on those bolts on the bottom side. if so remove those and they should back out.

stanger_missle · Jan 30, 2011

Mysteriously only the passenger side had the lock nuts and washers on the bolts. After a generous soaking in PB Blaster I was able to get the nuts off. I could not get the bolts to budge at all. I may just have to cut the subframes out since they are pretty much consumed with rust and need to be replaced. Pic of said rust:

19mustang95 · Jan 30, 2011

That much rust on a Florida car?

And I would start with a small drill but and work your up. Eventually the bolt will break through, or so much material will be gone that you can shatter whats left. Or you can try EZ-out drill bits

Rice_slayer · Jan 30, 2011

That is almost more rust than my car had, and I live in the Great North...

stanger_missle · Jan 30, 2011

DFG_Pimpin said:
That much rust on a Florida car?

And I would start with a small drill but and work your up. Eventually the bolt will break through, or so much material will be gone that you can shatter whats left. Or you can try EZ-out drill bits

Naw, it spent over 2/3's of its life in Iowa/Nebraska. Winter eats cars there...

I should go buy an EZ-out kit. My only concern in messing up the threads in the floorpan...

DKblue98GT · Jan 30, 2011

When I installed my Corbeaus I had a bolt break while removing it. I just drilled it out carefully by gradually increasing the drill size. Just be sure to use a center punch, cutting fluid and drill straight through the center of the bolt.

Good luck!