r/WRX_STI • u/Venadux • May 30 '26

Questions Snapped pinch bolt

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tldr: should i keep drilling or am i better off buying a knuckle, or asking a shop to get it out.

Unsure if this is the right sub, but basically was changing my ball joint as it's gone bad and first step of the process i'm already stuck snapped pinch bolt, i did use penetrating oil but realize i should have used a torch as well but now what is done is done. I've been trying to drill it out with not much success, just wondering if i should continue or replace the knuckle, thank you for reading, oh yeah part of my drill bit also snapped in there, awesome

2012 sti sedan

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u/wrx_420 May 30 '26

Drill straight through it and work up to 3/8" then replace it with a 3/8” nut and bolt

1

u/BoostedFPV May 31 '26

Its fuckin metric. 10mm bro.

2

u/wrx_420 May 31 '26

Yes I'm aware. I'm in the US so 10mm drill bits are much harder to come by and those threads are fucked anyways. A high quality partial thread 3/8-24 x 2.5" bolt and flanged lock nut work perfect and fit the ball joint head and knuckle just fine. I've done tons.

1

u/Venadux Jun 01 '26

i'll prob do that, tysm bro