Holdens

Center bolt snapped when removing tips on muffler.

The other two hold the tips on - the problem is this center bolt rattles around.

anyway to fix this?

or did I just buy a new muffler?

rcg412

this always scared me when adjusting the tips. I think a muffler shop can probably reinsert a new one... but probably worth just buying a new center muffler.. good luck!

victorc31

tap and die set... an old friend was expert machine shop guy.. when we took my old mitsubishi 3000GT apart he cut new threads all over.. including spark plug threads in the head.. amazing what you can do... you probably just have to drill on that screw enough to separate it from the threads and just ease out the fragments w/ a needle nose plier. I don't think a tap and die would turn it any better than the bolt head.

JCGT3rs

a few remedies ...

1. what Voctor above mentioned
2. BP Blaster to get in there and vise grips to see if you can turn it
3. If you have a welder .. you can weld on a nut and see if you can back it out .... recommend ample amounts of BP Blaster to get in there ..before the welding .
4. the other is out there but an Oxy torch to the area just around the break and see if that helps to loosen up the metal around and use vise grips to turn

rk-d

Another option - get a center bypass like Sharkwerks.

Holdens

This bolt is not fixed to muffler... it floats in there (plate backing it). I think I would have to cut open muffler to remove... then no idea how to put a new one in...

TinyPP

Suggestion: Find someone with precision hands/tools that can cut 3 sides around the broken bolt, say 1 to 2" and fold the metal to remove/replace the bolt. Then fold back and weld.

Alternatively, have a welder grind what's left to a point (cone), do the same for similar length/thread stud and weld it. Finish by grinding to a somewhat smooth finish. If need be, use a tap/dye to thread the weld.

Good luck.

JCGT3rs

not sure if you can find something like a rod end sleeve to see if you can create a "bridge" between that remnant and a new bolt.

991carreradriver

Here are the instructions for the fix on my muffler. It appears that the bolt is the same. The whole fix took about an hour.

https://rennlist.com/forums/991-gt3-...oken-stud.html
See post #10

garudatwo

Folks might be missing the op’s concern. This is a square captive stud, nothing to drill and tap.

I’d recommend grinding off what’s left of the stud that’s poking out, and welding on a weld mount stud from the front face.

Holdens

You are correct and thank you.

Im going to take it to a muffler shop, recommend the below, and see what they can do. (The repair is above my skill level.)

R35driver

its a great excuse to make your car sound better with a center bypass.