Broken bolt/ Vanos job HELP!

[adb1028]

I think I may be in trouble boys. Everything was going great on my VANOS rebuild until now :(. On reinstallation of the VANOS, I over tightened and snapped one of the studs on the VANOS mount. Am I screwed? Or can I get away without using this bolt? Its one of the six nuts that hold the VANOS in place.

http://tapatalk.com/mu/aefc04fa-c6d0-2658.jpg

DROID2>YourPhone

[danewilson77]

Mmm.....idk.

Tough call. Can you take a couple of more pics with some common identifying features.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[adb1028]

http://tapatalk.com/mu/aefc04fa-ca38-6b3d.jpg
Im freaking out right now Dane.....

DROID2>YourPhone

[adb1028]

Well i went ahead and put everything back together (breaking a VCG stud along the way FML :crying). Car is running buttery smooth with no lights or oil leaks (yet :( ). I lined the front part of the VCG where the VANOS is with RTV sealant to help with the missing VCG bolt. Hopefully everything will be fine. I will have my Indy give me an opinion on what to do about the 2 broken bolt/studs i have when i go in to get my AC fixed next Wednesday.

[Jon D]

My suggestion would be to extract the broken bolts using an extractor.. your indy will have the tools.. you should replace the broken bolts. OOH and a good torque wrench might be worth the investment... ;)

[billschusteriv]

Breathe... Stay calm...

Definately recommend on extracting/replacing if you can. I am not at my desk right now so I can't search to see if those are removable/replacable studs or fixed.

I wouldn't wind it up or drive hard if you even have to drive it.

Although I do remember doing a similar repair on an old subaru I owned...and drove for some time after that.

Torque wrench is good recommendation if you didn't have or use it. Also a coat of appropriate lubricant on the threads and new nuts/fasteners.

[danewilson77]

http://tapatalk.com/mu/aefc04fa-ca38-6b3d.jpg
Im freaking out right now Dane.....

DROID2>YourPhone

Don't freak. All is well. Soon....just pop the VANOS back off.....and EZ out the remaining bolt. Order a new one in the meantime...

Is it the bolt with the red dot or blue dot next to it?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/image058.jpg

You will need either PC 13 or 15 depending on what your answer is.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=11_2213&hg=11&fg=15

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/VanosBolts.png

[adb1028]

Ok ok I've calmed down now. Funny thing is that I was using a Torque wrench (Craftsman Microtork 3/8s drive) which evidently is faulty :facepalm.

I think im just going to bite the bullet and have my Indy do the repair for me :( Problem is that he can't get me in till Wednesday. Im going to need my car this weekend and next week to drive to and from school everyday. Think it will be safe to drive without doing any damage? I haven't seen any leaking oil yet.

Thanks for the help everyone! Its appreciated!

DROID2>YourPhone

[danewilson77]

Just be ocd about oil level and you should be ok.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[adb1028]

I think the broken Valve Cover stud can be removed without taking the whole Valve cover off. Anyone know the P/N for that stud? I can't seem to find it on RealOEM. Its the stud on the very front of the VANOS on the Valve cover


Edit: Looks like I found it. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Valva_Cover_Stud/ES18233/
Im going to take a trip over to Circle BMW in a bit and see if they have it

[danewilson77]

I think the broken Valve Cover stud can be removed without taking the whole Valve cover off. Anyone know the P/N for that stud? I can't seem to find it on RealOEM. Its the stud on the very front of the VANOS on the Valve cover


Edit: Looks like I found it. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Valva_Cover_Stud/ES18233/
Im going to take a trip over to Circle BMW in a bit and see if they have it

I listed the p/n above.....

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[adb1028]

I listed the p/n above.....

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

I meant for the broken Valve cover stud, not the broken VANOS mounting mounting stud. Circle BMW had it, but not the VANOS stud. Guess im going to have to order it from ECS

DROID2>YourPhone

[danewilson77]

Ahh...ok.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Bimmer37]

FOund this thread while searching on the same problem. I broke the same stud as well as the one right next to it...I also used a torque wrench set to 6lbs but those aluminum studs are pretty weak.

Were you able to fix this? How did you get the broken stud out?

Or if you just left it as is, do you have any leaks? THANKS!

[danewilson77]

Honestly....drill and ez out is going to be your best bet. It shouldn't be in there very tight.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT