In my infinite wisdom, I managed to snap one of the studs that holds up the steering column. I still have the two at the back and one at the front holding it up so it doesn’t move and feels pretty secure, but would like to see if there is a fix for this without completely removing the dash?

Pic for reference:


It’s the stud that #9 in the pic tightens onto. The other #9 and both #12’s are currently still
Holding the steering column in the place.

is there a way to drill a hole through where the stud should be, rethread a hole, and then secure it in place with a new bolt?

 

There's no stud on the column the stud is mounted on the chassis.

 

You'll likely have to remove the dash to get to the stud from above.

 

and prob not enough material to drill out and thread unfortunately.

 

Can you get a drill to it<replace with a nut and bolt>?
could it be a splined stud<smash it out>?or welded ?<doubt it>

 

so I thought about that…that would honestly be the best option..unfortunately I can’t get my hand in the back to thread a bolt through a nut…and yeah I don’t think there will be enough material to drill the stud out and make new threads to thread a bolt in

Has anyone run into this? Surprised I even snapped it as I didn’t torque it that hard at all. Just barely started to get tight then snap!

The steering column is still being held on by 3 other bolts so not that big a deal I guess just annoying…I guess I could get some sticky ass tape and Velcro material and just have that side stuck together like that with the 3 other bolts mainly holding it together

Such a stupid mistake..I hate this car sometimes..feel like every time I tackle a project I just make shit worse

 

4/5mm drill self tapper ? would better than velcro if you can drill

 

definitely would be. I just don’t know if there is enough metal to get threads into..if anyone has experience and could chime in

 

so after weighing all the options (not many) this is my best bet. Drill a small pilot hole then send a self tapper through just to secure that side. Like I said, the three other bolts are holding the column up securely so I’m not too worried about this but would like that side secured for peace of mind. I’ll report back with how it goes.

does anyone happen to know if there is anything directly behind that stud that would prevent a self tapping screw from going up through it?

 

Wiring? Cluster? Better put a hand up there and feel around unless you wanna dig this hole deeper.

Honestly the dash isn't THAT hard to take out.