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Snapped bolts from water pump…….aargh!! C280 V6 W202

DVA1

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2022
Messages
32
Location
Wirral
Car
1998 C280 Estate
It’s that moment when you snap a bolt on a hard to reach area☹️…..and then a second one goes🤬, I tend to save profanities for special occasions.

So with both bolts gone I’m stuck with 1 of 2 options unless anyone can think of anything else.

I have a 1998 C280 W202 V6 Estate

1. Remove the radiator to get better access and drill the rest of the snapped bolts out. I have a heavy drill or a Dremel. I couldn’t find any links to doing it this way.

2. As I’m replacing the water pump anyway, to angle grind the unit (carefully) as close to the bolts as possible and pull it out through force. Obviously I don’t want to damage anything on the engine mount so is there anything behind the water pump that could be damaged. I’m aware the mating surface where the water pump meets the engine needs to be completely smooth so I’ll be careful if using the angle grinder.

3. Will Mercedes still carry the bolts? As I’m not sure which one needs replacing I’m thinking of getting a set.

Thanks
 

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From the photos it looks like its the head that has snapped off the bolt. If you can remove the rest of them and pull the pump off the 'stud' of the bolt it will leave you with a lot to get a grip on.

Heat (from a micro flame gas torch) , plus gas or similar and clever use of a percussion tool (hammer) should see you OK .
 
O/P .. I feel your anguish !
We've all been in these dark places.
I agree with Pete.
There should be no problem getting the bolts.
 
From the photos it looks like its the head that has snapped off the bolt. If you can remove the rest of them and pull the pump off the 'stud' of the bolt it will leave you with a lot to get a grip on.

Heat (from a micro flame gas torch) , plus gas or similar and clever use of a percussion tool (hammer) should see you OK .
Pete is correct looks like the the pump is stuck on the caked up studs penetrating oil and gentle persuasion should free up the unit failing that a bit of gentle heat should do it. I don't think an angle grinder is a good idea cos the bit that's stuck on remainder of bolt will stay stuck plus there's a good chance of damage to mating face of engine. Good luck
 
Thank you….looking at it in that way it doesn’t seem quite so bad. 👍🏾
 
Thank you….looking at it in that way it doesn’t seem quite so bad. 👍🏾
You’ve struck very lucky as they haven’t sheared at the mating surface. As suggested, penetrating oil, heat, gentle taps with a mallet and lots of patience required to remove the pump. Once it’s off, a firm grip of what remains of the bolts with mole grips or similar. Unscrew a little then tighten slightly, repeating this motion until the bolts come out. EPC (electronic parts catalogue) will tell you what bolts you require, easily available on eBay.
 
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First thing is to give yourself as much access to the job as possible- makes life so much easier. Your approach after that really depends on how much of the sheared bolt is left protruding. Localised heat or shock impact may help break the " stiction" between bolt and block. You may be able to use an impact wrench/screwdriver if you can get decent hold on the bolt if not you could try a good quality easi-out bolt extractor again with periodic gentle directed application of shock and heat . Slow and steady should be your approach

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First thing is to give yourself as much access to the job as possible- makes life so much easier. Your approach after that really depends on how much of the sheared bolt is left protruding. Localised heat or shock impact may help break the " stiction" between bolt and block. You may be able to use an impact wrench/screwdriver if you can get decent hold on the bolt if not you could try a good quality easi-out bolt extractor again with periodic gentle directed application of shock and heat . Slow and steady should be your approach

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Good video as well, thanks
 
Would it be possible to remove the pump, and then remove the bolts after,wont matter if they all snap offas long as there is a part of the stud left sticking out to grip on to with pump pliers .The bolts have rusted in the holes in the pump body . Lots of penetrating oil and then tap with hammer on old pump /
 
All good advice above. I also find having soaked with penetrating oil and tapped with hammer and carefully applied some heat, when it comes to start turning the bolt, a controlled and not too forceful clockwise then anticlockwise motion, backwards forwards, backwards forwards, backwards forwards, again and again helps break the sticktion (oxide layer?) holding the thread fast. I find if I just try to undo the bolt in one direction without having 'cracked' the seal, it's much harder and much more likely to seize the bolt section that's stuck in the hole. Especially true when any aluminium is concerned!
 
Would it be possible to remove the pump, and then remove the bolts after,wont matter if they all snap offas long as there is a part of the stud left sticking out to grip on to with pump pliers .The bolts have rusted in the holes in the pump body . Lots of penetrating oil and then tap with hammer on old pump /
Gonna have a go today and see what happens.
 
Got it off….I’ve added some Plus Gas to the snapped threads, there’s about an inch sticking out which should be no problem getting out.

Thanks for all your help….🙂
 

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If you have a mig welder then weld on nuts, the heat will help the remainder of the bolts break free.
 

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