How to remove this stripped screw with no head?

[ZK686]

2008 Yukon Denali. This screw, which holds a bracket in place popped off. The bracket is connected to the strut that lifts my tailgate up and down automatically. The problem is, since that screw is missing, every time it opens up, the bracket slides up, causing it to close back down because the motor is sensing pressure. I tried to drill through it but I might have made things worse. I just need to find a way to get it out so I can replace it. :

 

[Doubeleive]

finish drilling it out and tap it and put in a new bolt

 

[Doubeleive]

I would prop it up, take off the bracket, drill it out, tap it and re-install, if worse comes to worse have a muffler shop tack weld that bish.

 

[George B]

That bolt is hardened so I would suggest you invest in a carbide drill bit the correct size for the tap you will use.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I recently went through this exercise with a broken bolt on the U-bracket on my front sway bar.

I used a punch to place a small dent in the center of the broken bolt (correctly centering that dent is extremely important), and then I used a set a high quality set of drill bits, starting with the 1/16" bit, and drilled a hole through the center of entire length of the broken bolt. I then repeated the drilling process for each and every larger size drill bit in my set, until I used a drill bit that was slightly smaller than the diameter on the bolt (so as not to cut into the threads of the threaded portion of the hole on the frame. I sprayed plenty of PB Blaster into the drill hole after each bit went through the entire length of the bolt shell.

Then I used a small cold chisel to collapse inward one side of the remaining shell of the broken bolt, thus breaking the lock on the threads. Once the broken bolt was loose, I used a pair of needle nose pliers to back the broken bolt shell out. Last, I used a tap with the correct diameter and thread to clean out the threaded hole on the frame.

The entire process took about 2 hours. I wish you success on removing your broken bolt.

 

[George B]

I recently went through this exercise with a broken bolt on the U-bracket on my front sway bar.

I used a punch to place a small dent in the center of the broken bolt (correctly centering that dent is extremely important), and then I used a set a high quality set of drill bits, starting with the 1/16" bit, and drilled a hole through the center of entire length of the broken bolt. I then repeated the drilling process for each and every larger size drill bit in my set, until I used a drill bit that was slightly smaller than the diameter on the bolt (so as not to cut into the threads of the threaded portion of the hole on the frame.

Then I used a small cold chisel to collapse inward the remaining shell of the broken bolt, thus breaking the lock on the threads. Once the broken bolt was loose, I used a pair of needle nose pliers to back the broken bolt shell out. Last, I used a tap with the correct diameter and thread to clean out the threaded hole on the frame.

The entire process took about 2 hours. I wish you success on removing your broken bolt.

Sometimes if your lucky the bolt threads through while drilling.

 

[Fless]

Or you can use a left-handed drill bit near the end of the drilling sequence. The bolt may thread out in reverse. And use some cutting oil while drilling.

 

[exp500]

For drilling- be patient, position and centered is more important than quick. Cobalt bit. Until you get a pocket that holds bit in place. Only drill a few turns at a time so you can steer the drill back to center.

 

[bfourman]

Had the exact same issue with mine and a Left handed drill bit backed it out within 30 seconds. Threads were clean and clear, the bit grabbed and it came right out.