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Topic: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt. (Read 683 times) previous topic - next topic

Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

On the bus style cargo door there is a brass roller about an inch by 1/2 inch with an allen head bolt running through it.  The bolt snapped so closing the door is an issue.

Its pretty tight in there and I can't seem to get the bolt out of the brass roller so I can replace it.  Not the best picture as doesn't show the tip of the bolt sticking out of the roller but its pretty tight in there.

I can hold the brass roller and the bolt spins inside of it but doesn't back out.  I have tried to put pressure on the broken end of the bolt while trying to unscrew it with no luck.  At some point I will just cut it off and try to find a new brass piece to replace it with. 

Just looking for other ideas to get that bolt out for what looks like a pretty simple fix once it is out.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #1 –
Grind or cut the end of the bolt flush.  Vise grip and pull should get it out. My guess is that you have a slight mushroom  on the end.

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #2 –
Matt,

Protech  is right on with the mushroom end as that is a common problem once the nut gets slightly loose it mushrooms the end then breaks the threaded end off with the lock nut. Here is a link to another post recently that will help you out.
Basement door, broken hinge bolt

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #3 –
Quote from: mattschilds –
At some point I will just cut it off and try to find a new brass piece to replace it with. 

Matt,

It is a pain to get those bolts out when it is mushroomed. Make sure you keep up with the flat washers and the spring washers as they have a purpose. There is a bushing in the arm assembly that will fall/can out  so be ready to catch it.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Here is a link to another post recently that will help you out.
Basement door, broken hinge bolt

I find it really interesting that I just don't get the terminology yet.  I did quite a bit of searching but never on basement door.  Thanks for the link and the idea on how to search for it.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Matt,

It is a pain to get those bolts out when it is mushroomed. Make sure you keep up with the flat washers and the spring washers as they have a purpose. There is a bushing in the arm assembly that will fall/can out  so be ready to catch it.

Mike
That may be my underlying issue, there seem to be lots of small parts missing like bushings and washers.  Most every connection is a bolt and a nut, nothing else. 
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #6 –
Matt,

You are correct if you have missing parts as being the root problem.  The hinge will work a while with out the washers and the bushings but it will speed up the demise of the shoulder bolt as you have found. Look close at all the other door hinge points to see if you can find one that has all the hardware left. I don't have the correct washer info and placement at this present time.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #7 –
Matt,

I never answered you on how to get the brass spacer off with out destroying it. 

Here is what I do.
1. Get so you can support the door on several milk crates with wood blocks and things. What ever you can come up with. I have helped someone with this and all we could do was tie a rope around the door and toss it over the coach, tying that end to a tree for the support.
2. Take a pry bar and pry the door arm loose from the door hinge base. When it come loose you will understand the reason for #1.
2a. If it is the arm that is next to the light switch you will need to remove that to give you room. Expect to trip the basement light breaker during this operation as it will happen.
3. With arm loose you should have room to get a small rotary grinder in there to grind off the mushroom area.
4. You should now be able to unstack the bushing, washers, and brass spacer to get to the bolt and remove it.
5. After reassembly remember to go and re set the manual reset breaker for the basement lights that is located behind the white safety cover on the basement wall.
Hope this is clearer than mud.

Pamela & Mike

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #8 –
I drilled mine out, used Grade 8 bolts. Larger threads, works awesome.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348
 

Re: Bus 2tyle door with broken bolt.

Reply #9 –
Just bought some spare shoulder bolts from True Value Hardware. Although not stainless they are just fine 5-16 x 3/8, 3/4, 1 1/4.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country